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LIDDESDALE 



OR 



THE BORDER CHIEF 



A. TRAGEDY 






Y ONKERS 
1874 






• i-"l 



CO 
CO, 



1 % 



,t»i 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by 

JAMES LAWSON, 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Lord Liddesdale. 
Johnstone, of Lochwood 
Lord Hume, .... 
ree, of i es8f0rd, . 
Lord Maxwell, . . . 

Master of Maxwell, . 

Sib John Charters, 
William Lord Dacre, 

Carnegie 

Kenneth 

A Priest, 

A Herald. 



A Friend to Liddesdale. 

In Love with Lady Christina. 

A Friend of Lord Hume. 

An Old Lord. 

[Hie Soil, beloved by Lady 

( Christina. 

The Scottish Warden. 

2 he English Wardi n. 

A Vassal of Maxwell, feigning 
a Mute. 

An Old Domestic. 

Confessor to Lady Christina. 



Lady Christina, 
Mabei 



Laughter of Liddesdale. 
Her Nurse. 



Hcmlds, Mosstroopers, Peasants, Lords, Soldiers, etc. 



Scene in Liddesdale. 
Part of the Third Act vn Carlisle. 



LIDDESDALE. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — Liddel Castle. 

Enter Kenneth and Mabel. 

Ken. Peace, peace, good Mabel. 

Nab. That ever I was born to see this day ! 

K> x. I am an old man, and in my three-score years I 

never found any good come of believing in dreams. 
Nab. A little child, trembling at the winter's hearth, I 

believed in them. They say in sleep the immortal 

soul may read as in parables, revealment of the 

future. 
Ken. You make me almost believe in your fear; tho' 

it is a foolish fear. 
Nob. And then the legend ! 

When cruel might 
Down-crushes right : 
When humble foes 
And high oppose — 
Listen the wail 
Of Liddesdale ! 



LIDDESDALE. [ACT I. 

Ken. A silly rhyme. But what was the dream ? 

Mab. I thought I was awake— it seemed so like noon- 
day truth — I was I know not when nor where : 
all things gloomed darkly : I saw them dimly, as 
through the storm-cloud we mark the sun in the 
sky. Suddenly I stood in the White chamber : it 
was brightly lighted with beaming eyes; glad voices 
spoke, and merry music sounded — but in a moment, 
darkness — thick, deep darkness — shrouded all. 

Ken. Why, this is not so terrible, Mabel. I read good 
bodement here. This foreshows the marriage of our 
dear young lady with the Master of Maxwell. We 
shall all be so happy that day, Mabel. 

Mab. But hear me Kenneth ; I ran to the window to 
let daylight in — the sky was overcast, not with dark 
dun clouds that threaten rain or storm, but blood- 
red clouds, weeping thick crimson drops. 

Ken. A dreaming fancy of the wounded deer, that fell 
yesterday at your feet and died. * 

Mab. No, Kenneth ; woe is me, no ! Then I saw a 
proud eagle pounced on by a wicked hawk ; its 
beak and talons tore it deep, deep and deeper, till 
blood — the very color of the clouds — oozed out. 

Ken. This is the falcon-hunt fretting thy resting hours 
— many strong-winged birds, that day, were like 
the eagle of your dream. 

Mab. At last the hawk tore out the eagle's heart, and 
shook it revengefully at a cooing dove perched on 



vi: I.] LIDDESDALK. 7 

a blighted rowan-tree. The innocent moaned a 

bitter moan, and fell down — dead upon the ground. 
What of the hawk, then ? 

M '. 1 saw no more ; tears Minded my eves: Oh ! woe 
is me. I saw no more; but a voice in the air mur- 
mured the legend — bitterly, Kenneth, bitterly. 

Ken. Art well this morning? Last night thou wert 
feverish and disturbed in sleep. Where is the 
qnaigh ? Good Mabel, let me till it with usquebaugh 
— thou wilt not, that by thy pillow, have such 
dreams again. 

Mob. You are kind, and usquebaugh is very wholesome. 
You do not reverence dreams, Kenneth? 

J\- '. I cannot say that I do, Mabel ; but I hold it no 
less than heresy to doubt Witches, Ghosts and 
S irita ; our Lord and Lady, their forebears too, 
believed in them. These we may not doubt. 

Mob. No, truly. But the usquebaugh ? 

When comes the Master of Maxwell ? 

Mob. My lady looks for him at noon. I hope our Chief 
will be kind ; but why he brings Lord Hume ^o 
often to the castle I know not. What do you think ? 

I\ >. We must not question our Chiefs intents — Ave 
must obey his will. But Lord Hume looks on our 
mg mistress with an eye of favor. 

Mob. Ah, Kenneth! never will she give her love for 
his; he is not gentle like the brave young Maxwell. 
He has net such an eye ; no, nor Buch a smile. 



8 LIDDESDALE. [ACT I. 

Ken. "Well, well ! Bless her innocent soul ! Vex her 
no more with thy idle dreamings, Mabel. 

Mat. You spoke of usquebaugh ! 

Ken. You shall have the quaigh, full — and a Brancher 
pie besides. 

Mob. It is their season — nearly. Usquebaugh is very 
wholesome. [Exeunt. 



Scene II. — A woody, wild and mountain pass. Bugles. 
A March. Enter Lord Hume, Ker, of Cessford, 
Johnstone, of Lochwood and followers. 

Loch. Well, here we are before him. Patience, friends; 
If he come not at the appointed moment, 
An honest cause I warrant hath detained him. 

Cess. The Three Estates are suddenly convened, 
And Liddesdale, perchance, delays to learn 
If pliant tools have passed the threatened law. 

Loch. Dare they ? For what? To please a baby king, 
A froward boy, who under age is crowned. 

Hume. "With justice fired, our sovereign seems resolved 
To turn reformer and amend the world. 

Cess. The English mother's, and French uncle's sway, 
During a long minority, he swears 
Has soured the nobles, nurtured discontent, 
And spread disloyalty throughout the realm. 

Hume. Cursed is the country with an infant king. 

Cess. That in especial on the borders, here, 



SCENE II.] LIDDKSDALE. 9 

In derogation of the sovereign power, 

We have usurped the law and dared chastise 

The English thieves and beat them to their homes. 

/ A. What else, sir, should we do? Look tamely on, 
With visor up and sword undrawn, and thank 
The greedy knaves for ravaging our lands? 
Or, in the spirit of our fathers, rise 
And strike the invaders down ? 

No, Loehwood, no : 
But we at Holy-rood should humbly kneel, 
Weep o'er our wrong-, and pray the honored king 
Would graciously vouchsafe his royal aid, 
And shield us from injustice ! 

Loch, Very true ! 

I did not think of that : but I am blunt ; 
- no say, discourteous. May the wrath of heaven 
Strike me this instant dead, ere I would court 
The aid of man, though twenty times a king. 
What says Lord Hume ? 

Burnt . I pray yon, pardon me: 
My mind was wandering. 

Loch. Cessford, thy ear : 

Our friend, whose life is a romance — thai is, 
His thought turns woman-ward — is musing now 
On fair Christina ; she is worth the winning. 

Jin, . S is a maid as innocent and kind 

A- ever brushed the dew-drop from the flower, 
Or graced the dance, the banquet or the chase. 



10 LIDDESDALE. [ACT I. 

[A March. Enter Liddesdale, Car- 
negie, Lords and followers. 

Liddes. Good morrow : 'save ye gentlemen and friends: 
The sun rules fiercely in meridian height ; 
'Tis my appointed time. Your grace awhile. 
[To Carnegie] Thou knowest the pledge on which I 

spared thy life, 
Look to it well: if thou by breath or sign 
Declare thou art not what thou feign'st — thou diest. 
But faithful as my shadow thou must be, 
The secret listener of my vassals' words, 
That I, of all, may sure advantage take, 
None dreaming of the source. I cry your mercy. 

Loch. Here have we waited noble Chief, to learn 
The latest news of these disjointed times. 

LAddes. 'Tis statute and ordained I am a traitor — 
I, who ne'er stooped to a dishonest deed, 
Nor ever left an injury unavenged ! 
Besides, in most opprobrious terms, my friends 
Are held as contumacious to the king. 

Cess. No, not to him, but to his evil counsellors 
And laws unjust, stand we in opposition. 

Loch. What treason talk they of ? 

Liddes. It is alleged 

That we in violation of the peace [subjects; 

With England's king, have robbed and slain his 
That thereby old resentments are revived 
Against the general safety of the realms. 



SCENE IF. J LIDDESDALE. 11 

Revived ! This hatred which the Borderers nurse, 
Has been through time the motion of each heart. 
And we shall cherish it, while Southron churls, 
Stuffed to the throat, look on us with disdain. 

Loch. I hate the English as 1 hate the devil. 

Liddes. Our lands are now declared the common prey, 
Our kinsmen thieves, and we, believe it, rebels, 
To be pursued by sleuth-hound, fire and sword. 
What ! are we aliens or intruders here, 
That they dare hunt us like the ravenous wolves, 
( >r think to do it ! 

Loch. Are we crushed already ! 

j. Let them approach one step, and they shall learn 
What men may do when conscious of the right. 

Liddes. Yes, right! When English knaves have 
crossed the March, 
And from our plenty stolen to fat their greed, 
I slew them on the spot — if they escaped, 
Pursued, and ten times retribution took. 
For every Scotsman by a Southron slain, 
I have made twenty bleed. This sacred right, 
By all confessed, the right of self-defence, 
Is termed a treason — and, start not to hear it, 
At Edinburgh Cross they've put me to the Horn. 
With phrase freebooter, added to my name. 
Now, by my sword I swear, from this hour forth, 
Here I renounce allegiance to the king; 
And nol alone in my defence I Btand, 



12 LIDDESDALE. [ACT I. 

But in his opposition. Judge me, friends, 
And for yourselves resolve. 
Cess. I am resolved. 
Loch. And I. Rather than live his passive slave, 

I would turn spae-wife and beg daily alms. 
Liddes. Has not my noble Hume a word to say ? 

I met a friendly greeting from his eye, [father 

But nothing from his lips. What, dumb ! Thy 
Who suffered for the jealousies of state, 
As thine did, Cessford — on the scaffold suffered — 
He always had a word to spare a friend, 
And if his need required, an arm to help. 
Hume. My lord, excuse me : I was lost in thought. 
Loch. The youth is wisely sparing of his speech ; 
Secure his power: thy daughter is the price. 
Liddes. I understand. Brave sir, we all have thoughts, 
Sometimes unwelcome thoughts, that take the mind 
A prisoner as it were, and shut it up 
From the gay troop of pleasant memories 
That sweeten life, and make us slow to pay 
The courtesy we owe. Hast heard the news ? 
Hume. I have, with feelings of regret and pain; 
For I suspect the true cause is concealed, 
And a false motive meanly urged. 
Liddes. What think'st ? 
Hume. Thou art too powerful : monarchs ever fear 

A powerful subject. 
Liddes. That is shrewdly said. 



SCENE n.] LIDDESDALE. 13 

Hume. Why in especial art thou singled out 
For royal hate? Thy independent mind 
By valiant clansmen aided, dares the right. 

Liddes. And will maintain it. spite of priest or king. 

Hume, Hence art thou feared, for this must be subdued; 
The sooner, surer, as the adage runs. 

I marvel much this struck me not before ; 
The thought s-eems like an old familiar tune 
rotten long— but instantly when heard, 
1- recognized and loved. 

Hume. The cause is plain — 

When French and English regents ruled the land, 
And fierce contention shook it to the centre, 
Thou Btood'st aloof from profitless revolts, 
And used thy power to vindicate thy rank : 
While in the Lothians and the laud of Fife, 
In the far Mearns ami distant northern isles, 
Revenge and hate crushed Scotland's bravest me::. 
And there, a weak nobility abide, 
Who for self-interest, or in fear, are loyal. 

Liddes, Much wiser than thy years ! 

Loch. Old as I am, 

I never dreamed of this ! 'Tis gospel truth. 
Words with electric lire, that rouse men up 
To deeds the world may look on and admire. 

. Like an old pla] I, the presenl 

Simply ■ its the Btory of the past [ment. 

With change of scene, but not perhaps, improve* 



14 LIDDESDALE. [ ACT T ' 

Wert thou subdued, he turns his arms 'gainst me, 
In which succeeding, then comes Cessford's turn, 
Or honest Lochwood, thine — singly we fall, 
And our dear Scotland is a mart of slaves. 

Loch. We must brush up our armor — that I see. 

Cess. Which is the worst — endurance or redress ? 

Loch. Endurance : may annihilation come 

Rather than base submission to our wrongs. 

.Liddes. Let him or his with hostile front approach, 
Yea, let him step one inch upon my land, 
And by my father's unattainted name, 
He'll sorely rue the day, 

Hume. If we succeed 

The king is an oppressor, patriots we. 
Success is sovereign law. 

Liddes. Brave, noble youth ! 

Long have I looked with pride upon thy growth ; 

I see a spirit swelling in thy blood, 

A courage in thy heart presaging greatness. 

Hume. Sir, I will die to merit good men's praise. 

Liddes. Not die, but fight thou may'st, I have ji 
treasure, 
And dear to me as liberty or life — 
A noble, brave and generous lord is he 
Who wins her hand. Increase in thy desert, 
And I may whisper in her gentle ear, 
Thou art her father's friend. 

Hume. Forever thine ! 



SCENE II.] LIDDESDALE. 15 

t. Hast hoard the Wardens met last night in council? 
I hoar it from my spies. With them convened 
Time-serving nobles and faint-hearted cliiefs : 
A herald, as I learn, will soon proclaim 
The foul decision of this Warden-Court. 

Hume* Maxwell is in their confidence, 'tis said. 

Liddes. The name of Maxwell is my seated hate, 
And festers in my soul. One of his house 
Once marched disdainful past my castle gate, 
With pennon streaming and with visor closed, 
With bugles sounding and with glaive unsheathed, 
Despite all rule and token of respect. 
This insult, in lit time, I shall avenge. 

Hume. The Master is a visitor of thine. 

Liddes, Doubt not, nor fear. I have already said 
That I will whisper in my daughter's ear 
Thy name and my regard. 

IT",,,.. My all, save honor, 

Most gladly will I peril for her hand. 

Liddes. I promise thee : no thanks. On to our Castle. 

[Exeunt. 

S< bne III. — Ltdpel Castle : around the room and 
an the wall ate seen implements and trophies of 
war and chase. Lady Chbistdta engaged in 
i mbroidi ry. 

Lady C. An idle dream! and yet the legend runs, 

A Bign will tell the downfall of our house. 



16 LIDDESDALE. [ACT I. 

On ride or raid my father is abroad ; 

He is the last in whom exists our name, 

No son has he to inherit his renown ; 

And I a maid, when married, like a brook 

Whose current mingles with some noble river, 

Am then my former self no more. Ah me ! 

Much I lament these wild, distracted times ; 

For England's Henry, and old Scotland's James, 

With frowning brows regard the border lords — 

And then the history of my foolish heart, 

Is chequered, like love's tale, with hopes and fears. 

{Enter Mabel. 
Come hither, nurse: sing me the " Bonny Page." 

Mab. I cannot sing, and least of all that song. 

Lady C. It is indeed a melancholy air : 

The notes accord so sweetly with the verse, 
They seem as one, both at a thought inspired — 
And by the minstrel's magic power, they reach 
The fount of feeling and subdue the heart. 

Mab. Nay lady, do not sigh ; tell me what think'st? 
Does not young Maxwell love thee for thyself? 
Ah, now thou smilest ! 

Lady C. Thou art old and foolish. 

Mab. There is a something in his beaming eye, 

I know not what, that cheers and wins us all — 
And when he speaks, no wonder woman loves. 
May heaven bless him ! 

Lady C. An old enthusiast thou. 



ir.] liddesdalk. 17 

Behold the ehildreu on yon grassy knoll, 
Health in their checks and pleasure in their eyes, 
And every look is redolent of joy. 
How Lithe each limb ! how earnest every bound! 
No hitter thought through all the sunny hours, 
No feverish dream through all the solemn night, 
They touch the pillow ami are blessed with sleep ! 
Hark to their gladsome voices ! 

Mob. I little thought, 

When yon. like them, ran on the velvet sward, 
That I should live to see thy mind perplexed; 
Nor did thy sainted mother, rot her soul ! [Hume, 
\y C. Hush, Mabel, hush: my father comes, and 
Whose presence is a pain : yet I must smile, 
And mask with mirth the moaning of my heart. 

[Enter Llddesbale, Hume, Lochwood 
and Cessfobd. 

Lidde*. My honored friends ! We take her by surprise; 
Her nurse and needle, signs of love and thrift, 
You see beside her. Daughter, be thou kind. [Aside.'] 

Hume, How fares your ladyship? 

Lady C. Unruly times 

- are timid women: save for these, I'm well. 
From the chase my lord ': 

JTunn Y and fleet of foot 

\Y _- and deer, thai made the richer sport. 

Liddc8. More than the trophies of the chase, my child, 
I b rincr for thee. 



18 LTDDESDALE. [ACT I. 

Lady C. Indeed ! 

Liddes. My heart's dear pride ! 

Lady G. What hast for me ? for thou art ever kind. 

I pray thee tell, nor overtask my guess. 
Liddes. She is my daughter ! Go, bid Kenneth bring — 

He understands — I gave him charge withal. 

[Exit Mabel. 
Lady G. Thou would'st surprise me. Well ! know'st 

thou, my lord ? 
Hume. I may not tell. 
Lady 0. Or thou ? 
Lochwood. I must be mute. 
Lady G. What ! mystery here ! I shall be patient, 

Incurious too — though it may shame the adage. 
Liddes. Thou shalt be satisfied : they come. 

[Re-e?iter Mabel, with Kenneth and Carnegie. 
The 3Iute, at the motion of Liddesdale, 
kneels at the feet of Lady Christina. 
Liddes. Thy page ! 

Daughter, I spared his life for thee. 
Lady C. For me ! 
Liddes. An humble serf of not ungraceful mien : 

I found him lurking in a secret pass, 

And might have slain him had not chance revealed 

He is a mute ; for that I spared his life, 

On one condition — 'twas by signs expressed — 

That he should serve thy bidding. 
Lady G. Is he mute ! 



SCENE III.] LIDDESDAI.K. 19 

" I must //, mute" — my lord, I understand. 

Surely a novel promt t<> ;i maid. 
Liddes, A fancy, sweet, which thou may'st easier 
question 

Than I make answer. 
Lady C. Kisc : I will be kind. 

No tongue to speak, no car to hear, alas ! 

Thou hast an eye j perchance a faithful heart. 

Nobler, since utterance is denied. Arise. 

[Carnegie rises. 
Loch. It were a want important to a dame. 
Lady C. My lord, take care, else I with worthy cause, 

May challenge thy respect and love for us. 
Loch. I am too old and tough to fret my mind 

About the fairest maid in Christendom. 

[ Trumpets without, 
Liddes. I did not look for uninvited guests. 

Who comes ? 
Mab. My lord ; 

[Lady Ciiristixa motions her to silence. 

Nay, 1 will speak the truth [aside to her]. 

M aster of Maxwell we expect to-day. 

II"in>. Expected ! 

L'i<hi--<. Kenneth, bid him to our presence. [Exit Ken.] 
To Hume.] To her we owe the first intelligence 
Of hia approach. 
Lady <\ [Aside.'] Mabel, Mabel! 
| To Hum\ . ] What, jealous ! 



20 LIDDESDALK. [ACT I. 

[Tie-enter Kenneth and Master of Maxwell, 
Liddes. Good morrow, sir. 

Go give his retinue fit entertainment. [Ex. Kenneth. 
M. of Max. Thanks for thy welcome.: Good morrow, 

[gentlemen. 

How thrives the flower of Liddesdale to-day V 
Lady C. I thank thee, well. Thy ride I hope was 
M. of Max. With thoughts of thee. [pleasant. 

Hume. Observe, as she smiles on him, 

The lustre of her eyes. 
Loch. Yea, like love's torches 

Of which the poet dreams — I never saw them. 
Liddes. Be not, fair hostess, partial in your smiles; 

If to each guest you mete not equal favor, 

The welcome lacks both courtesy and grace. 
Lady C. I thank you, father, for this admonition ; 

But latest come may claim the latest word : 

That paid, to all I owe a like respect. 
M. of Max. Carnegie ! [Aside.] 
Cam. Hush! [Aside.] 
Liddes. Our hostess answers wisely. 
Lady C. I cannot talk of chase or war in phrase 

To match your cunning — but I have a fawn, 

A falcon strong of wing, with jesses bound ; 

A hound well-shaped, whose speed is like the wind: 

And in a cabinet of antique work 

There are strange relics of the olden age, 

Which speak a history of forgotten days. 



BOKNE ITT.] LIDDESDALE. 21 

Come with me, lords, come to the Eastern chamber; 

And with impartial smiles, I will essay 

To give a welcome worthy of my guests. 
Liddes, Brave, dearly prized! 
/.■■<•}). Or would ye imitate 

The pious Abbot's sacrificing life. 

Why card-, or dice, or tables ye may play, 

And Bhe, perchance, will join: in faith, I cannot. 
V. Or chess, a game her gentleness admires. 

3l<il>. And she, my lords, can play and sweetly sing, 

And -how such needlework. 
Liddes, Her privil 

Fond, babbling nurse, she thinks my daughter's skill 

Should, in your eager judgment, as in her's, 

Out-challenge all the world. 
Mil>. Mark well the tapestry that adorns the walls, 

'Tis, I am told, the ancient Trojan tale; 

Ber dear hand wrought it all. 
Liddes. Garrulous fool ! 

She deems the fancies that her lady's thought 

Delights to linger with, should charm your minds; 

A- well might she enjoy our sterner moods — 

But on. my noble friends. 

[Hi;mk takes Lady Chrtstin \*s hand. 
Lady C. Lead on, my lords. 

[JExevnt nil except Cabnegie. 
Cam, There is a guiding star to just revenge ! 



22 LTDDKSDALE. [ACT I. 

Man never yet was wronged, if he that's wronged, 
Waited and watched, but found the avenging hour; 
And this base lord shall feel ray father's shame 
In very kind. And yet, ray heart relents ; 
Why should the guiltless for the guilty suffer ! 
If Maxwell speak, all's lost. He is in danger : 
Mine be the task to save him. Grant, kind heaven, 
That I may be an instrument of good, 
Upholding justice and confounding crime; 

Grant my soul's wish, that this foul, lustful lord 

\Re-enter Liddesdale. 

JLiddes. Why loiter here, why went not with the rest ? 

Cam. I waited thy command. 

Liddes. Come hither sirrah ! 

I doubt : nearer ! If false, make peace with heaven. 

Cam. Preserver of my life — I am thy slave. 

Liddes. Speak low, and feign as if by signs you spoke : 
I will not even trust my castle walls. 

[Carnegie by signs professes devotion. 
I will believe : if once I doubt, beware — 
Sirrah, begone. 

[Exit Carnegie. 
Freebooter I am called ! 
That sole addition to a name like mine 
Stirs up my blood against the allied kings, 
And never shall I slumber till avenged. 
Lord Hume I must secure ; arrange her dower; 
Which done, the clerk shall instantly engross. 



cT.m: [II.] LIDOESDALE. 23 

Despite the legend, let what may befall, 
I'll live the terror of each hostile chief, 
And in the Borders rnle, despite the king. 

[Exit. 



24: LLDDESDALE. [ACT II. 



ACT II. 

Scene I. — Liddel Castle. 
Enter Lady Christina and Master of Maxwell. 
Mabel, Kenneth and Carnegie attending. 

M. of Max. Why dearest, art thou sad ? Tell me 

[the cause. 

I must assuage or else partake thy grief. 
Lady C. Lately my father has expressed a wish 

That I should favor Hume. I loath the man ! 

His frequent visits courtesy endures, 

While all my thoughts turn to an absent one. 
M. of Max. Turn they to me ? 
Lady C. Why ask ? Thou know'st dear lord, 

Where all my fondest fancies stray. 
M. of Max. I do, 

And in thy love the happiest of men. 
Lady C. Lord Hume is powerful : in these stormy times 

My father needs his aid, and praises him, 

Not dreaming of our loves. 
M. of Max. I am to blame ; 

I should ere this our secret have confessed 

And sought approval : but young blood is rash, 

And stops not to consult the frigid rules 



SCENE I.J LIDDKSDALE. 25 

Civility applauds. I will amend, 

Seek him this moment and implore his blessing. 

Lady ('. I tremble: tell him (if in pliant mood,) 

That I will never love another man. [peace 

M. of Max. Tho' stern of will, he would not risk thy 
For twenty times twice told, the power of Hume. 
Sweet one retire ; I hope ere daylight lades, 
With his consent to claim thee for my bride. 

Lady ('. Go, speak with gentle and entreating words; 
(For he i> sometimes choleric when chafed,) 
Perhaps thy asking may provoke his ire, 
And he may rather chide than answer kindly : 
If thou perceive the dawning of his anger, 
Press not the subject, touch some other theme, 
Grateful to his predominating mood. 
Dear lord, adieu; I shall in patience wait 
With anxious heart. 

J/, of Max. Give not a thought to fear, 
For soon shall I a conqueror return 
And take thee captive, thus. Till then, farewell. 

[A.-- >i/,t Lady Christina, Mabel and Kenneth. 

Now sirrah, speak : thy presence is a marvel. 

. I will confess : Master, in whispers speak, 

Listeners are ruund. I am thy father's vassal, 

And thee, his first born, T would die to serve. 

M. of Max. It tli.it you tell Shall he approved and true, 
At any risk I will protect thy life. 

Thou may'st perchance remember, on the hill 

2 



2(5 LIDDE3DALE. [ACT II. 

That overlooks the Esk, a cottage stands ; 

The summer's sun invites the blue-bell there, 

The honeysuckle and sweet eglantine : 

Thy father, bounteously, on mine bestowed 

That cot, to shelter his declining days. 

Its hearth was gladdened by a maiden's smile, 

The old man's heart was lightened by her love. 

Throughout the day she earned the scanty meal, 

At evening sang the merry border songs, 

Until my aged sire forgot his years 

And thought himself a^ain a stalwart man, 

Out on the chase or mingling in the fray. 

Among our hills her sprightliness and grace, 

Her gentle voice and sympathizing ways, 

Won her the favor of each neighboring swain, 

And in our lowly lot, esteemed, admired, 

She moved a queen ! That maiden was my sister. 

The moon that wanes as blaze the Beltane fires, 

Beheld her happy, now beholds her grave. 

M. of Max. I may not weep with thee a private sorrow. 
Why art thou here ? Be brief. 

Car 7i. Forgive my tears : 

A se'nnight since, that maid by ruffian hands 
Was from her father violently torn — 
God of the Universe had I been there ! 
In vain his gray hairs pleaded for the child 
The palsied arm no longer could protect : 
The howling wolf is guiltless of the crime. 



S l: I.] LIDDEBDALE. 27 

Wheu next I saw her, she was cold and dead . 
Drowned in the Liddel where the rowan-tree 
(Famed in the legend) overhangs the linn. 
She, in her frenzy, thought the wave would hide 
Her shame and sorrow from the unpitying world. 

M. of Max. He cannot render hack the life she took 
With irreligious haste. .By whom said'st thou? 

Cam. By merciless Liddesdale. 

M. of Ma. -. Impossible ! 

Cam. For vengeance fuming hitherward I ran : 
.V blazoned shield betrayed me to his serfs — 
Taken, and forced before the cruel lord, 
Stubborn and mute I Btood resolved to die 
Rather than utter word. With sudden thought 
His anger cooled : he (-til-red me my life 
If I would swear to serve him as a mute. 
I swore: 'twas not for liberty to breathe, 
But for delicious, exquisite revenge. 

M. <</' Max. I am amazed. Revoal thy hidden purpose, 
That 1 may know how desperate is thy rage. 

Cam. The strong and noble may inflict such wrongs 
The humble vassal will rise up in strength, 
Despite his grade, an independent man ; 
And. as in terror, all distinction level. 
A peasant born I bear a prince's heart, 
Fit t-. contend against the proudest lord. 

M. of Ma . I listen, sirrah — madly damn thysel£ 

Cam. Throughout the border his lair daughter's name 



28 LTDDESDALE. [ACT II. 

In each prayer is remembered ; I resolved 

(Oh, kill me not till I unlade my soul,) 

That he, in kind, should feel my father's woe : 

In her sweet face I saw my sister's smile — 

My spirit melted instantly to pity. [sealed. 

M. of Max. For that unhallowed thought thy doom is 

Cam. I care not for my life : 'tis in thy hands ; 
But for thy sake and her's expose me not. 

M. of Max. Speaking or mute thou art a living lie. 

Cam. Could I preserve thy days and gladden her's, 
One act of present vengeance were complete. 
Trust in her fears : I know his headstrong will, 
Heard him declare his mortal hate of thee, 
And purpose to bestow her hand on Hume. 
In mercy to thyself, not me, I pray 
Be in his presence vigilant and wary. 

M. of Max. Base-hearted slave! 

Cam. Despise me as thou wilt, 

But I implore thee, Master, credit all: 
If on the morrow thy resolve still holds, [me, 

When thou hast seen and proved him, and proved 
Kill me by inches. 

M. of Max. Leave me, slave ; begone ! 

\Exit Carnegie. 
'Tis past belief, and yet if true or false, 
I stand in a dishonorable place 
Unless I speak. Just as my bounding heart 
Was bent to learn a fate, his story held me 



SCENE II.] LIDDESDALE. 20 

Against my judgment, rooted to the spot. 

O, chance inopportune ! But what is best? 

Postpone our meeting, or (at once) expose 

This strange impostor? There is none to counsel. 

O, guide me Fate, and keep my honor clear, 

For in this conflict I am sore perplexed. 

Within his veins must Blumber ancient blood: 

For gentle nature, as we sometimes find, 

Ui>es above all antecedents known, 

And proves a dash of unt raced noble stock, 

Which seeks its place among exalted men. 

But I must act : first I shall write my father, 

Then seek the private audience to confess 

Our mutual love. Unwelcome news forewarns. 

[Ex.il. 

Scene II. — A Court of Liddel Castle. Enter Lid- 
desdale and Carnegie. 

Li la\ 8. They of the dream and legend prate ? Xo more ? 
Let the fools babble, I regard not them. 
Did not young Maxwell and my daughter meet 
Within the hour alone ? 
•". Mabel and I 
Were present all the while. 
What heard 'st him say ? 
Words that a lord might to a lady speak 
In manly courtesy. 



30 LIDDESDALE. [ACT II. 

Liddes. Thou low-born cur ! 

Presumest thou to judge ! Sirrah, what words ? 
Cam. He praised her needle that adorns the walls, 

Extolled her music that delights the ear ; 

And said her charming skill repays its toil 

With sweet perfection; then, to me they turned, 

And thanked their stars that they were blessed 

[with speed). 
Liddes. Spoke he not tenderly? Nor looked? Art true ? 

Nor sighed as if he would impress her heart ? 

What, not ? Do none suspect thy counterfeit ? 
Cam. I am thy slave — kill me, but doubt me not. 
Xiddes. I would, did not the prospect of thy service 

Outweigh my doubt. If once discovered false, 

Tortures — thou can'st not think of them — terrible, 

Will be thy certain doom. 
Cam. My lord, I swore. 
Ijiddes. Sirrah, I would read thy heart; hear'st? Look up. 

Beware ! What said they of the threatening times ? 
Cam. My gentle mistress sighed and wished that peace 

Might bless the land, for she is sick of war. 
Xiddes. And Maxwell ? 
Cam. Fear not justice, he replied, 

Enraged the king, and swore to unfurl his pennon, 

If thou would'st ask. [dependers? 

Xiddes. {After a smile of contempt.) And what say my 
Cam. They fret that weeks pass in ignoble sloth ; 

And as they meet around the teeming board, 



BORNK II.] LIDDE8DALE. 31 

Pray that the threatening of the allied kings 
Be changed to deeds, for they are tired of e 
Liddes. Brave hearts ! soon shall they see their hottest 
That rye of fire which shrinks not at my gaze, [fray. 
1> speaks a bou! above his humble grade, 
And makes me, while I doubt, resolved to trust 

[fflnter Hi mi:. Lochwood and Cessford. 

Faint is the hone, yonng friend, that I shall win 
My daughter's free consent — at least by smiles. 

J I ■ . I must in patience bear her gentle scorn. 
. Well said, sir — like a lamentable lover. 

. Her father's wish — decidedly expressed, 
She dares n >t disobey. So far I spoke 
Merely by hints to prove how she inclines : 
r>m >he affected not t<> understand. 

.// . I -hall be ruled by thee and live in hope. 

L'x-h. A maiden's heart is flexible — she will change, 
My word on that, to gratify her father. 
Grant that she Maxwell loves — it may be so — 
She never -aid. that I have heard, she does. 
My h>rd commands -he must not think of him ; 
She we> of tears and Bighs a tempest, 

And vows Bhe never will love man again. 

Sir! I have known women d<> as much, 
And in a month have married with another, 
And Loved him dreadfully. Women are women ' 

ZAddes. [promise the* ; and for her dower \ give 



32 LIDDESDALE. [ACT II. 

(When heaven calls me away) my wide domains, 

Which, in her right defend, until a son 

Blesses your loves and reaches manhood's years : 

With them, let him inherit too my name — 

For I must live on Scotland's page. Scotia ! 

Land of my home and heart ! Dost thou consent '? 

Hume. Gladly ; she mine, then am I truly blessed. 
And for her jointure hereby I reserve 
The full revenue of my lands in Merse. 
In token of my reverence, all my power 
I place at thy command, with this condition — 
That I shall lead them where they march or fight. 

JLiddes. I am content : soon shall the clerk engross 
The full particulars of this solemn league. 
My daughter ! thee, an infant in these arms 
I fondly clasped, and while you daily twined 
Around my widowed heart, believed thee mine, 
Nor ever dreamed that thou would'st be another's ! 
I am awake, and find in nature's course, 
Another will enfold thee to his bosom 
As I did thy sweet mother. I shall be 
Henceforth a sharer merely of thy love, 
And mine the less — the greater is thy lord's. 
When you become a father, sir, and feel 
A father's love, no longer will you wonder 
How sadness mingles in the hour of joy 
Which sees a daughter wedded. In giving her. 
I give what dearer is than wealth or poAver, 



HIM' II.] LIDDE3DALB. 33 

The fairest, only blossom of my home ! 
A< I have ever watched her gentle thoughts 
And earh, as found, indulged : be thou to her 
Tender and true — she is indeed the like — 
yielding and young. A comfort she will be, 
A blessing to thy house, a sunbeam there, 
To elad and gild thy heritage and name ! 

Hume. I feel — too much to speak. 
[JEJnh T KENNETH. 

Liddes. Well, sir, thy news. 

The warder from the southern tower espies 
A Herald riding hitherward. 

Liddes. Admit him. [Exit Kenneth.] 

A- I surmised, my lords ; we know not yet 
If from the Wardens or the King lie comes. 

• n shall we learn what they vouchsafe to tell ; 
Valiant in words no doubt : but we shall hear. 
[Enter Master of Maxwell. 

I >. Lost, lost ! [Aside.] 

M. of Max. If your kind grace 

Liddes. Sir, I am busy. 

I have ii" patience, he offends my sight. 

[Aside to Hume. 
Know'sl thou a Herald comes ? [To Maxwell.] 

M. -' Max. I hear you say so. 

Liddes. Say ! he is at the gate. Thou wilt excuse me. 
Do- his errand ? 

M. of Max. My lord, 1 do not know. 

2* 



S4 LIDDESDALE. [ACT II. 

But I have come to crave, when leisure serves, 

A single word in private. 
Liddes. Well — content. [in hope. 

Cam. [Aside.'] That look has cheered me, and I breathe 
Liddes. Know'st thou the rowan-tree by Liddel's stream, 

Where boldly rise the banks to overlook 

The tumbling linn — a wild, secluded spot? 
M. of Max. My lord, T do. 
Liddes. There, as the weary sun 

Kisses the hills and bids the world good-night, 

Meet me — alone. 
M. of Max. I shall not fail the time. [Exit.] 
Liddes. This Herald cometh — he will speak of her — 

But I shall mar his hope. This Herald, friends— 
[Enter Kenneth and a Herald. 
Herald. By royal seal the Wardens held a Court, 

At which indisputable proof was brought 

Liddes. One doubt is solved. Come, sir, at once thy 

message. 
Herald. Of deeds illegal and high crimes committed, 

By thee, the Lord of Lidclesdale. 
Liddes. Well, sir? 
Herald. I come not to enumerate the deeds 

Of which thou art accused, but to declare 

They have resolved to stop thy lawless course, 

To bring thyself, thy kinsmen and dependers 

To strict and fearful justice. 
Liddes. Let them dare ! 



s* km; II.] LIDDESDALE. 35 

Herald. Yet with a generous spirit have :igreed, 
(Ere they in power o'er-run this rebel Land 
And deluge it with blood) to summon thee 

Before their Court; which, in their name I do — 
Thy oath of fealty they will accept, 
Then grant free pardon for offences past. 
If humbly thou dost acquiesce, I name 

Wednesday at noon the time, Carlisle the place. 
Liddes. Aye, at the Haribee ! Am I a vassal? 
Do they suppose that like a common felon 

1 will appear and trembling beg their mercy ? 
Or like a pious, poor, priest-ridden knight, 
Conios my sins and pray to be absolved? 
No, sir Herald, never ! Go, thou art safe: 
But had the best in person spoken thus, 
I would have cloven him from crown to nave. 

Herald. So speak the Wardens. And I am comrnis- 
To otter thee safe conduct hence and back, [sioned 
Which in th^se letters-patent is confirmed. 

Liddes. Their letters-patent! Herald, speak again — 
Send me safe conduct — me ! Presuming lords ! 
By this uplifted sword to heaven I swear, 
My only safeguard is this sturdy brand, 
And true friends here. Thy office I respect ; 
But they shall rue this insolence and scorn. 

Herald. My lord, I wait thy answer. 

Liddes. Answer — Go I 

Yet tell the haughty Wardens 1 deny 



36 LTDDESDALE. [ACT II. 

Their right to summon: tell them I despise 
Their wondrous clemency and empty threats. 
If they would see me — I am to be found. 
Conduct the Herald to the outer gate. 

\Exeunt Kenneth and Herald. 

Did not the Wardens tremble at my power, 

Arms should pursue the heels of their intent, 

Not braggart words. 
Hume. What force is in the field ? 
Liddes. Mine equals theirs — thanks to my brave allies. 
Cess. Add double valor, discipline and skill, 

And we quadruple them. 
Loch. Oh, well summed up ! 
Hume. Freely command; we are devoted, true. 
Cess. Yea, unto death. 
Liddes. I thank ye, noble friends. 

Soon shalt thou hear how well my pleading thrives. 
[Exeunt Lord Hume, Cessford and Lociiwood. 

Go, sirrah, to thy mistress, and express 

As best you may, by signs, I crave her presence. 

[Exit Carnegie. 

Three hundred score are mine — securely mine — 
A strong addition to my former power : 
Thanks, natal star ! Wardens and Kings beware 
How ye dispute my claims or slur my name. 
Now to my child; heaven grant that gentle means 
Incline her mind aright — or, should she prove 



SCENE in.] LEODESDALE. 37 

Unyielding to my hope, may no harsh word, 
Nor deed of blood enforce my solemn promise. 

[Exit. 

Scene III. — An apartment in Liddel Castle. 
Lady Christina, Mabel attending. 

Lady C. How slowly creeps the lazy-footed hour ! 

Had he the speed abounding in my love 

He would be here already. Wherefore chide ? 

Tia my impatience more than his delay, 

Makes hours seem long that keep their equal pace. 

I will be more myself, nor once surmise 

My father is unkind. 

[Enter Kenneth. 
A- n. My gentle mistress, 

£enng Maxwell meets our chief at set of sun. 
Lady <\ Why not till sunset ? that is long to wait. 

Kenneth, did he seem pleased? 
Ken. Yes, he seemed happy. 
Lady C. Then am I happy too, and full of hope. 

[Tnter Carnegie : by signs Jie informs Lady 
Christina that Liddesdale will visit her. 

Yon mean that he will presently be here. 

O, had'st tliou voice to speak! Would'st Bay my 

And I am to await him ? I obey. [father. 

It may be of the Herald he will speak, 

1' rhapa of Maxwell : can it be of Hume? 

But I shall welcome him, nor doubt his love. 



38 LIDDESDALE. [ACT II. 

[Enter Liddesdale. 

Liddes. Thy sainted mother's only gift ! she died, 
God save her soul ! when thou wert but a child, 
And left in thee a copy of herself. 
E'en as thou look'st, she looked, when first our loves 
Grew to confession and our hearts were one. 

Lady C. A gentle tutor and a tender father 

Thou ever art ; may heaven preserve my life 
To recompense thy tenderness and care. 

Liddes. Send thy attendants hence. 

[Exeunt Kenneth, Caenegie and Mabel. 
My dearest child, 

Till smiling on thine own thou can'st not feel 
The proud, the anxious joy I feel in thee. 
But oh, sad thought ! we are alone on earth, 
And when we die our house becomes extinct • 
And this old castle, whose gray walls have laughed 
At centuries of storm and bloody siege, 
May never echo to its master's tread — 
A stranger race may sit around its hearth ! 

Lady C. My own dear father teach me how to soothe 
Thy troubled thoughts, and if my skill avail, 
Thou never wilt be sad. 

Liddes. My generous daughter ! 

(Quite unaware her infant days are past, 

So fleetly runs the unregarded time ! ) 

Thy willing aid encourages my hope, 

And I am happy : thou art spared to bless me. 



SCENE III.] LIDDESDALE. 39 

Ere nature in its course shall close my eyes, 

I wish to see thee wedded to a lord 

Who will protect thee when I am no more. 

How art affected toward my gallant Hume ? 
He is thy friend, and merits my respect. 
Liddes. Would he reply so coldly to thy praise ? 

The bravest, noblest of our Border Chiefs — 

This day has he solicited thy hand. 
Lady C. I never thought to look on him with love. 
Liddes. What more could lady ask than he can give? 

Wealth, title, power, affection and renown ! 
I<'<<l>j C. But what avails this out-door world's applause, 

With all the trappings wealth and honor bring, 

If the poor heart sits comfortless at home ? 
Liddes. lie i< my friend — esteemed — has promised aid, 

Which, in these stirring times, my need requires. 
Lady C. Love, duty, honor — all that I may offer, 

Would poorly pay thy never ceasing care, 

And what a daughter has to give, I give — 

Thine own to keep, not give awaj again. 
Liddes. My Bportive child ! I knew thy yielding mind, 

And promised him thy hand. Why! what! recoilest? 
Lady C. Father to thee I owe a daughter's love. 
Lidd 8. Add, obedient 
Lady C V. s, obedience 

In all where it i- duty to obey. 

I» -he remembrance <>t" departed days, 

By her who in their sunshine blest us both, 



40 LIDDESDALE. [ACT II. 

By s.weet religion that subdues the world — 
Yea, by yon heaven we fervently adore 
And hope to gain, entreat me not to wed 
Where not a thought is kindred with us twain. 

Liddes. He has my promise — that I never broke. 

Lady C. For a rash vow, wilt thou, like Israel's judge, 
Thy own, thy only daughter sacrifice? 
There is more honor in a promise broken, 
If unadvised, than in that promise kept. 

Liddes. I am thy source of life 

Lady G. Take then my life, 

But do not take the affections of the soul 

By heaven, not thee, bestowed. A curious art 

May imitate the flower, which to the eye 

At distance, seems as new-plucked from the stem, 

But where's the perfume ? God alone gives that ! 

Liddes. Men are alike, tho' woman's wayward fancy 
Fashions this man an angel, that a fiend. 
Your love invests some weak-armed foe of mine 
With noble attributes, and for his sake 
Would risk my present, and your future hope. 
Be not so frail in duty — foolish, fond; 
As, for the vain conceit he has inflamed, 
To lose a father's and a husband's favor. 
No answer ! What, receive I no reply ? 
Through thee I form alliance with a chief 
Who never turned his back on friend or foe — 
One whose great aid my policy must win. 



6 INK III. J LIDDE8DALE. 41 

Lady C. False is the policy that is not just. 

s. Ha ! rebel girl ! art not afraid? Beware! 
Lady ('. Why should I sacrifice a life's content 

To meet a pressing object of the hour, 

Which, with the hour, is past ; or why commit 

A certain wrong to reap uncertain good? 
Liddes. My mandate issued is a border law 

No soul can change, no sophistry evade. 
Lady 0. Father, forgive — this unexpected rage 

Has chilled my blood and almost turned my brain; 

I know not what I say. 
Liddes. Dost thou relent ? 
Lady C. Father, dear father — humbly on my knees, 

I pray thee, do not drive me to despair ; 

I am thy child, obedient save in this ; 

Yea, I will waste the richness of my youth 

In fruitless maidenhood: I will do all, 

Whate'er you ask unmurmuringly, save this. 
Liddes. My word i- sacred tho' the mountains fall. 

A youth of lame — a husband for a queen! 
Lady C. By mother's sacred memory, I pray — 

Look on that picture, it is hers — so like 

That cunning art has emulated life ; 

Move ae I may, her eyes still turn on me 

With an approving smile. Lo you, behold ! 

The very canvas breathes ! Oh, Christ, it >tirs! 

Her \ "i<-< ie in my ears — Bhe cries, hold, hold ! 

Oh blessed virgin, my dead mother's looks 



42 LIDDESDALE. [ACT II. 

I shall obey, and not a living sire ! 

Liddes. Illusion all ! This shallow, vain device, 
Will not prevail. Beware of disobedience, 
It was the first, the great unpardoned sin — 
For which man still endures the wrath of heaven. 
Thou art affianced — he is here to wed — 
Thy hand is his, whoever has thy love. 

Lady C. No, by the Holy-rood, never ! 

Liddes. Never ! 

If one alive has stolen thy heart from me, 
And taught this stubborn and unfilial spirit, 
Woe fall upon his life ! 

Lady C. Away disguise ! 

Where I adore I fear not to confess : 

My troth, is pledged to Maxwell ; I am his, 

He mine, and him I'll wed or none. 

Liddes. Patience! 

Have I, like the fool in the fable, warmed 
A serpent in my bosom ? 

Lady C. No power, no threat 

Shall move the firm foundation of my love, 
Nor shake my truth. Mother in heaven, hear! 
And, as I keep my vow, in thy good time 
Accept me, or reject me evermore! [beware! 

Liddes. Ingrate, tliou knowest me ; as thou know'st, 
For thou hast seen when I have marched in wrath, 
That neither sex nor age, nor prayer nor wail, 
Sated my thirst for blood. I say, beware — 



SCENE III. I LIDDESDALE. 43 

To thee I give one day to be resolved — 
Wert not my child, denial were thy death. 

Ixt(h/. 0. Better to die than, linked with one unloved, 
To bear through life eaeli day a lingering death. 
Were I to act unworthy of thy child, 
Or of my sex, I should avoid thy gaze — 
Yea. Bhun the blessed air, the light of day, 
To seek companionship with toads and owls, 
And never lift my voice aloud in prayer. 

lAddes. Stay not to vex me, but resolve — away ! 

[Exit Lady Christina. 
High soars the eagle with a noiseless flight, 
While meaner birds scream loud on feeble wing : 
May this hand wither if I slay him not. 
Good warrant have I for his taking off — 
On false pretences comes he to my eastle 
And steals a "laughter's love, in league the while 
With her own father's foes. Before yon sun 
Sinks in the drowsy west, the deed is done. 
Heaven will behold and justify the blow 
That stops a traitor's pestilential breath. [Exit. 



44 LIDDESDALE. [ACT III. 



ACT III. 

Scene T. — The Rowan Tree. A romantic spot ; the fiver 
Liddel falls over a rocky precipice into a deep linn. 
Enter Master of Maxwell and Retainers. 

M. of Max. This letter -give into lord Maxwell's hand ; 
I charge thee rather lose thy life than this. 
Now, with thy fellows, home with swiftest speed. 
Away ! \Exeunt Retainers. 

As friends, alone we meet : how part ? 
A sudden gloom o'erspreads the face of nature — 
Yea, while I look, black clouds on clouds arise 
Like giants trooping on in fierce array, 
And chase all beauty from the sky, so late 
One perfect glory in the gilded west. 
They meet, they mingle ! From the conflict, see ! 
The licrhtnino^ glares — and hark! the thunder booms 
In mountain volleys from the airy steep. 
Down pours the rain, as if to drown a world, .? 
While howls the wind among the budding boughs, 
Which shake and groan 'neath the terrific blast. 
Heaven grant 'tis not prophetic of my fate ! 
She is alone in all this dreadful coil, 
And chiding my delay. 



SCENE I.] LIDDESDALE. 45 

Liddes. [ Without.] Abide thou here ; 

Approach not till I call. 
Jf. of Max. His voice ! how changed! 
[Enter Liddesdale. 
Liddes. For once we meet befitting my intents — 

In nature's rage : hark to the elements ! 

They harmonize with my awakened wrath 

And prophesy a doom. 
Jf. of Max. What means my lord? 

I freely tasted of thy generous cup; 

On thy domain by invitation stand, 

And should be safe from rage or disrespect. 
Liddes. By me unbidden cam'st thou here to-day, 

And this appointment is thy own, not mine : 

Thy subtle argument thus loses force 

And thou art self-convicted. 
.V. ;/' Max. Speak my lord — 

Wherein have I offended ? Prithee speak. 
Li<l<l<$. Dissembler ! inward turn thine eyes, survey 

Thy guilty soul and pluck the treason thence — 

For recent acts bear witness 'gainst thy words. 
Jf. of Max. Bring me the man who dares asperse my name, 

And I will prove before thy face and heaven's, 

The monstrous lie. 
Liddes. He stands before thee, sir! 

Thou art a traitor to my castle's cheer, 

And t<> it- peace : against my honor leagued 

With royal foes, a villain and a spy. 



46 LIDDESDALB. [ACT III. 

M. of Max. Thou ray accuser! Thou! then on my word — 
My simple word, thou art abused, my lord. 
None in the Border truer is than I, 
Or more devoted to thy ancient house. 

Liddes. 'Tis false : thy father joins the Wardens' council; 
Thou, yesterday, wast there — to-day art here 
To pry into my plans, compute my power, 
And make report, where vantage may be gained. 

M. of Max. Not so, not so ; on honest mission bent, 
I sought this meeting to declare a truth, 
And beg thy favor. 

Liddes. Well, confess : speak out ! 

The lying tongue convicts the guilty heart, 
For like two thieves they never tell one tale. 

M. of Max. Tho' thou art roused to most unusual rage, 
Conscious of right, I fear not to avow — 
I love thy daughter, am by her beloved ; 
Abate thy wrath, with her consent I come 
To crave a father's blessing on us both. 

Liddes. A fool once shot his arrow at the moon ! 
What, win her ere I gave consent to woo ? 
Come to my castle like the midnight robber, 
To steal the richest jewel it contains, 
And then, confessing, beg it as a gift. [late 

M. of Max. One shelters 'neath thy roof, to whom of 
Some kindness I have shown — thy hate he knew, 
Advised me, when we met, to come prepared: 



BOENB I.] LIDDESDALE. 47 

But I, confiding in thy noble soul, 
Believed him not, but checked him and reproved. 
Liddes. Insolent youth ! durst to my face confess 

That thou hast tampered with a vassal's faith, 
And won him with a bribe ? Art thou prepared ? 

J/, of Max. My lord, my lord — a single word may save 
A sea of blood. 

/. des. If thou hast eourage, draw — 
Or like a beggar die. 

M. of Max. Compel me not 

To strike against thy life — but pick thy best, 
Yea, choose a thousand score, and I will prove 
My faith and honor while the world looks on ! 

Liddes. Xo, not so witless to be thus entrapped 

In such a flimsy snare. Thou would'st gain time, 
And therewith intercessors, or, slave-like, 
Would'st seek an opportunity of flight ; 
This mean device accelerates thy fate. 
Xo boasting — prove ! 

M. of Max. Oh, speak, my honored lord — 
Is there no way to mitigate thy rage ? 

Liddes. Vain fool ! if not beyond redemption damned, 
Pray for thy sins' remission : thou art doomed ! 
[ They fight : a pause. 

M. of Max. I fight defensive. 

Liddes. Thou must kill, or die. 

M. of Max. O God ! I dare not take her father's life ! 

Liddes. Xo time to lose; prepare! The daylight fades. 



4:8 LIDDESDALE. - [ACT III. 

Wert thou of meaner birth a vassal's sword, 

Not mine, should shed thy blood: that's some 

The last that I will pay. [respect, 

M. of Max. Would 'twere a king ! 

\_Exeunt fighting. 
[Enter Caknegie. 

Cam. God. of the Universe, had I a weapon ! 
Steal not, O Ruin, like a wasteful thief, 
A precious gem to hide it in the earth! 
Shut down, O Night, the eyes of melting day, 
And part the combatants. Brave youth, well fought. 
Pity still lives on earth, and rules in heaven. 

Justice, be not blind ! But if he fall ! 

A strange device is -gathering in my brain — 
For Maxwell slain and my dear sister lost, 
Let them in torments live, in terror die. 

[Exit. 

Scene II. — Night: a tapestried chamber in Llddel 
Castle. Miter Lady Chkistina : Mabel and 
Kenneth attending. 

Lady C. He surely should return. Look out, good 

1 do forget 'tis night and pitchy dark. [Mabel — 
The hag's prediction flashes on my mind ; 

At eighteen years — that age I reach to-day— 
A sad, a melancholy change, she said 
Would overcloud the future of my life. 



SCENE II.] LIDDESDALE. - 49 

A thoughtless, gay and laughing damsel then, 
I chid the croue and smiled at her prediction; 
Then glared she on me with malignant eye, 
And hummed the legend with her croaking voice — 

When cruel might 
Down- crushes right : 
When humble foes 
And high oppose, 
Listen the wail 
Of Liddesdale ! 

It seems like truth ! He conies ! no, 'tis the storm. 
Imagination might, with little stretch, 
Liken the wind to groans, the rain to blood 
< f w oun ed nature. 
Woe id me, my la ly ! 
"Lady G. It is a night to please unhallowed sprites, 

And drive men's brains to desj erate rage or crime. 
Good, guard the goo 1 ! 

[J Voice behind the arras. 
Void . Lady of Liddesdale ! 
Lady 0. Holy St. Mary! 

Mob. May heaven preserve us, Kenneth! what is that? 
Voice. Lady of Liddesdale! 
r gain ! 

Mob. Kenneth, it is a Spirit; pray, oh pray! 
J\< a. \ touch my beads, but cannot tell for fear. 
Mah. In mercy lady, answer not a Sprite : 

Kenneth, it is not safe. Where -hall we hide? 
[ /-.'■■ unt Kkwi mi "if/ Mabel in terror. 



50 LIDDESDALE. [ACT III. 

Voice. Lady of Liddesdale ! 

Lady C. Thrice am I named ! 

Where have the timid fled? What would'st, Unseen? 

Voice. This morn the sun dawned on thy natal day : 
Gone is his glory — then lament the past. 

Lady C. The past, the past ! tell me the coming doom. 
If, Unseen one, thou art a Spirit of light, 
No mockery — not from the evil pit, 
Thy far fore-seeing eye can look beyond 
The laggard hour, and read the great events 
May shake the world with fear. Reveal to me 
The purpose of thy visit. If thou com'st 
To teach me how I better may fulfil 
My duty as a Christian and a daughter 
Than my frail, sinful heart has present power, 
Listening, in meek submission I'll obey. 

Voice. The past, the past — 

Lady C. Declare the present truth. 

Voice. To thee and thine, woe, ceaseless woe. 

Lady C. Mercy ! [when — how ? 

Woe, ceaseless woe ! To whom ? Speak — what — 

Voice. Master of Maxwell ! 

Lady C. Gracious heaven ! 

Voice. Thy father ! 

Lady C. Thee I adjure, Unseen, by him thou servest, 
And by this Cross, dear emblem of my faith, 
Give me to know — reveal the will of heaven ! 

Voice. Behold ! they part beneath the rowan-tree, 



BOENB II.] LIDDESDALE. 51 

The face of one is like its blossom, pale : 
The other's sword is like its berry, red ! 

Lady C. Holy Virgin ! Thou dreadful riddler, speak ! 

Voice* Go read the mystery neath the withered leaves. 

Lady C. I will ! 

Where art thou, nurse ? Maxwell or father, 

T dare not ehoose. Does frenzy rule my brain ? 

Is this unreal — a dream? Live 1, and hear? 

Has heaven vouchsafed to warn me of my fate, 

And made me strong to bear it; or am I 

Selected as its instrument, to keep 

The hand unred and prove the legend false? 

By thy dear memory, mother, sainted one! 

I pray for daring greater than my years 

And sex possess! Come, Mabel ; Kenneth, come: 

Hide ye in fear? Would to the limbs of age 

We could give speed, and courage to the heart. 

[Re-enter Mabel and Kenneth. 
Quick light our torches, quick ! 

Mob. Alas, my lady ! 

Lady C. Thy torches, quick ! 

Ken. She is bewitched ! 

Lady C. Obey. 

Though the earth trembles at this dreadful tale, 
I feel no storm, but here, Come quickly, follow. 

| A>' nut. 
[Carnegie comes from his place of Concealment. 

Corn. At length mv hour of vengeance dawns, lit time 



52 LIDDESDALE. [ACT III. 

When earth affrighted bellows forth revenge ! 

My great device is only half performed ; 

I will escape and reach the fatal tree ; 

And there command a deed so strange and wild, 

She, in her frenzy, will believe divine. [Exit. 

Scene III. — Night : a wild and rugged scene. Thun- 
der and lightning. Enter Lady Christina, Mabel 
and Kenneth following. 

Ken. Our torches are blown out. 

Mab. Be not afraid. 

Ken. I do not fear the man that sees with eyes 

And works with hands. Preserve me from ill 
Sprites. 
Mab. She hath not spoken, Kenneth ; not a word ; 

Nor wept a tear — sure sign she is bewitched. 
Ken. Would, Mabel, I could soundly beat the hag, 

No power would she have then to harm our lady. 
[ The lightning strikes a tree. 
Lady C. Mercy ! the lightning blasts our crested Pine. 
Ken. I live by breath and bread, and am afraid. 
Lady C. Shielder of virtue ! guide my steps aright — 

Where stands the rowan-tree ? 
Mab. Courage Kenneth — 

No Witch dares venture near a rowan-tree. 

[Carnegie from his place of concealment. 
Gam. Lady of Liddesdale, here ! 
Lady C. That voice again ! 



5CBN3 ITI.] LTDDESDALE. 53 

Mob. Save me, Kenneth ; oh ! save my lady too. 
Ken. You're wiser, Mabel, and may lay the Sprite. 
You are a man. 
. I never was at Padua— 
What can I do against the Powers of Darkness? 

( . Spirit of good or evil, I approach 
Obedient to thy summons : teach me where 
The mystery lies. 

I. idy of Liddesdale, here ! 
Mab. Tt cannot be a Spirit ; it spoke first. 

Trust not the evil one. 
Lady C. And I am here ! 

>>me, read the truth beneath the withered leaves. 
Lady C. The withered leaves ! withered! "Where is the 
M i ''. On yonder cliff that overhangs the linn. [tree ? 
A' //. Is it not a Kelpie ? 
Mah. Where is its light ? 
Ken. Do Kelpies speak ? 
Jf'. 7 '. All comes in time ordained ! 
Ladg C. Should evil things speak of the evergreen, 
Or come so near the living, leaping stream ! 
I breathe in hope : 'tis but a step, and then — 

[Exeunt. 



51 LTDDESDALE. [ACT III. 

Scene IV. — Carlisle: morning. The Wardens' 
Court. Sir John Charters and Wm. Lord Dacre. 
Their huge chairs decorated with the arms of their 
respective kingdoms. Officers attending. Lords, 
Heralds, Mosstroopers, Peasants, etc. 

Sir John Ch. " If they would see me I am to be found." 

Were these his words, and in defiant tone ? 

We'll hear no cause to-day: let all depart. 

[Exeunt Mosstroopers, Peasants, etc. 

Presumptuous lord, thou yet shalt rue this scorn ! 
Lord D. Most insolent and bold : alike insulting 

Both to our royal masters and ourselves. 

A sharp reply should instantly be sent, 

Not in vain words — let our sharp weapons speak it. 
Sir John Ch. Death to the rebel ! death ! 
Lord D. Permit one chief 

To live rebellious to his sovereign lord. 

Why not a score, why not a hundred score? 

The rounded crown were then an infant's toy; 

The sceptre but a wand for children's sport ; 

The globe a ball for men to play at games, 

And all authority and law reviled. 
Sir John Ch. One course, and one alone remains for us, 

Which courage prompts and loyalty demands. 
Lord D. Emboldened in the time of Regent's rule, 

(Never before did woman rule in Scotland) 



IV.] L1DDESDALE. 55 

ITe thinks thy king, a justice-loving prince, 

Will still permit disloyal knaves to thrive 

On plunder wrung from unoffending men. 
Sir John Ch. On every station light the beacon fires, 

That loyal hearts may muster for the fight. 

Ride to Dunfermline with the latest news. 

[Exit a Herald. 

With those, though few. now quartered at Carlisle, 

We march without unnecessary stop. 

At Langholm we shall meet the northern lords 

Prepared for forty days. 

[Enter Lord Maxwell. 

Thou art right Welcome. 

Years overtask thy strength : T pray thee, sit. 
Lord Max. I have, perhaps should say I had, a son — 

They tell me that an old man's heart is cold 

And all his feelings blunted : I deny it — 

Witness these tears. But read and learn the cause. 
[He r/ives Sir John Charters a letter. 
Sir John Ch. [Reads.] 

" My honored father: I write not in absolute danger, 
but under warning of a coming- ill. In the service of 
Lord Liddesdale, whose guest I am, is Carnegie, thy 
!. feigning a mure and thirsting for revenge on the 
betrayer of his sisrer. If the story of his wrongs be 
true, so may his warning. Though humble born, there 
is a nobility in his soul worthy of remembrance. If I 
am alive, expect mo to-morrow noon: if I return not, 
seek me. Take to thy heart my pleasantest thou 
Adieu." 



56 LIDDESDALE. [ACT III, 

What means thy son? Believe me, lie is safe. 

Lord Max. Why is he slain, and I, an old man, spared ? 
In nature's course he should my eye-lids close. 

Lord L>. Thy fear o'erleaps the green-strewn path of 
And in the quicksands of despair sinks down, [hope, 
A thousand chances may detain him hence, 
And still in safety. 

Sir John Gh. Who is Carnegie ? 

Lord Max. Son to a man whose years outnumber mine; 
A good one in his day. To glad his age 
I gave him free a cottage by the Esk, 
Where dwelt he with an only son and daughter. 
The young man's heart is cast in nobler mould 
Than commonly is found in peasant life — 
'Tis said he wore a caul when he was born. 
The maiden walked the hills with queen-like grace, 
Like one of gentle birth, till, basely wronged, 
She drowned herself — preferring death to shame. 
Since then the brother has been missed from home ; 
Whither he went, this letter first reveals, 
And all confirms the danger of my son. 

Lord D. Danger, my lord ! thine lives but in surmise. 

Lord Max, Forgive my grief; bear with me for the sake 
Of this snow-covered head and wintry heart. 
In all his life he never caused a tear; 
Now, in his death, my tears like rivers run. 

Sir John Gh. We promise, save in duty to our king, 
To aid thy son, if not beyond relief. 



IV.j LIDDE8DALK. 57 

Lord Max, 13nt yesterday a lover went he forth 
Willi hope elate — but I will not digress : 
My mind still wanders — 'tis the old man's plague. 
Perhaps he languishes in loathsome cell — 
I woidd restore him to the blessed light : 
Perhaps is -lain — I would redeem his corse, 
That it may rest in consecrated ground. 
Oh, hear me, hud-, turn from your present purpose; 
Seek Liddesdale in peace, and he may grant 
To you, what to the Herald he denied : 
Which proved, a bloodless victory is won, 
And I may find great consolation yet. 

Sir John Ch. What think'st? 

Lord D. There is some force in his suggestion ; 
But more to giant this worthy chief's request 
Than in the hope of vantage, I advise. 
If we should fail, more wisdom lines our cause, 
And thy young king, for patience, justice, truth, 
Already famous, will applaud the act. 

Sir John Ch. Heralds attend, and officers of court, 
With all the Wardens' guard of horse and foot, 
We shall at once set out in proud array. 
Sound the trumpets. 
I D. There's much in pomp and sIioav 
To awe the humble and amaze the proud. 

[Exeunt. 



58 LTDDESDALE. [ACT III. 

Scene V. — Morning : the Tapestried Chamber. Lady 
Christina seated. Mabel and Kenneth attending. 

Lady C. If it be true the terrible tale is told, 

And our proud name shall henceforth be erased 
From Scotland's page. Oh, cruel, bloody deed ! 
My soul recoils with horror from the thought, 
Yet fate decrees it ! Sainted mother, rest : 
Implore his pardon at the mercy-seat, 
If it be true — he needs thy pleading there ! 

Mab. She has not closed her eyes the livelong night : 
If she could weep 'twould be a sweet relief. 

Ken. It is a miracle. 

Mab. Heaven's will be done ! 

Ken. How heavy are the dead — --the murdered dead ! 

Mab. Oh, Kenneth, what a sigh ! Her heart will break. 

Ken. Hush, Mabel, hush! she charged us both to silence. 
[Miter Liddesdale. 

Liddes. Why, daughter, wear'st thou such unwonted 
looks ? 
Thine aspect frights me more than all my enemies. 
Say, what is this ? No answer ! Daughter speak? 
What know you, Mabel ? Kenneth ? Silent all ! 

Lady C. Father! 

Liddes. Thy mother's image : speak again — " 

Thy voice delights me — mournful tho' it sounds. 
Look up, my child, and wear a brighter face. 



srrxi: V.J UBDESDALE. 59 

Lady C. I over loved thee — was obedient ever. 

Liddes. Save once — have I not been to thee a father. 

Lady C. Save only once — Oh, would I could forget! 

Liddes. Hast thou relented yesterday's resolve 
Ami wish to say a father shall be pleased ? 
Then say it with a cheerful look and tone, 
And not with one so sad. 

Lady ('. Sad though I seem, 

There is no sorrow here — 'tis gone forever: 

re is no feeling here — 'tis turned to stone, [say? 

Liddes. Thylooks distress me, child: what would'st thou, 

Lady C. To show thee sculpture by a master hand, 
So life-like, wanting only breath to speak. 

Liddes. Sculpture ! Well, go on : I listen patiently. 

Lady ( . A piece of curious and excelling art, 
NTo mortal's chisel ever shaped the like ; 
A warrior brought it from the Holy Land, 
And by Our Lady vowed it should be mine. 
It is: ami here In that recess it stands: 
Till thou advise where is its fittest place, 
'Tia hid behind the arras. 

Liddes. T range — 

What, sculpture from the land to which of yore 
The royal Bruce's heart was borne, and where 
The precious blond ->t' Scots like rivers ran 
Forth* demptioa of the Bacred tomb 
From the blaspheming Infidel ! Sculpture ! 



60 LIDDESDALE. [ACT III. 

Without my knowledge how was it obtained, 

From whom, and when ? 
Lady C. Where shall the marble stand ? 
Liddes. Remove the curtain and I will decide. 
Lady G. Remove it, sir, thyself. 
Liddes. Let us behold it ! 

ILiddesdale withdraws the arras ; the body 
of Master of Maxwell discovered. 
Lady C. Look and declare — is't sculpture, as I said ? 
Liddes. What damned devil prompted this deceit ? 

Why show it thus ? Think'st thou I joy to see 

The corse of him whom living I despised? 

This carcase better would become a pit 

Than taint my castle with its noisome fumes. 

Hence with it to the crows, the wolves, or waves ! 

Who, daughter, did this deed ? 
Lady C. What deed ? Ask you ? 
Liddes. Yea, answer me : how came this body here, 

By what foul means — by what insane device? 
Lady C. By holy means ! By superhuman aid ! 

And I, selected by the grace of heaven 

Its agent stand, empowered to question thee. 
Liddes. Is this my child, and these her old domestics? 

Am I myself? Why, daughter, darest thou 

With false and frenzied speech address me thus ? 
Lady C. I am commissioned by a power divine, 

From whose all-searching eye there's nothing hid; 

He sees the gem deep in the undelved mine; 



SCENE V.] LIDDE6DALE. 61 

All, earth eon fns — the pearl in ocean's depths — 
Thy secret heart and all its laboring thoughts, 
Afi plainly as we see the wondrous sun 
Blazing above the clouds. 

Liddes. This is a marvel : 

Has she communion with the better world ! 
I will not question now; perhaps, to-morrow. 

LaOjj C. Stay, sir! As vengeance rests with heaven 
alone, 
Speak, answer my demand; sculpture or death? 

Liddes. Death, daughter, death ! 

Lady C. Know'st thou the murderer? 

9. Were it not for thy wild and haggard look, 
I would severely, yea, in anger chide thee ; 
But. as some evil power hath turned thy brain 
To desperate thought, I pity, not condemn — 
Look to your mistress. 
v C. Go not ! Touch the corse. 

Liddes. Daughter, wherefore? 

0. Assure me it i< rleath — 
1 saw him yesterday in manly strength, 
With love elate and honor heart-full fraught, 
With every attribute of joyous youth, 
If seemed more like an angel than a man, 
And won the admiration of the world. 
How Bhoold a change so horrible as this 
.11 an instant real ? Touch the con 
Did ever child o'erawe a father? Wherefore? 



62 LIDDESDALE. [ACT III. 

Lady C. If at thy touch blood gushes not afresh, 
A silent, weeping witness 'gainst the hand, 
Then art thou guiltless of this dreadful deed, 
And the mysterious One a fiend of hell. 

[Caknegie from his place of concealment. 

Cam. Haughty Lord of Liddesdale 

Touch the corse so cold and pale. 

Liddes. What voice is that ? My hand is on his heart ! 

Lady C. Blood ! blood ! O Christ, his hand is stained 
w T ith blood ! 
Come Mabel, Kenneth — see his gory hand, 
And testify the truth to all the world. 
Unnatural father! Thou did'st murder him. 
Forewarned, I am the instrument of heaven 
To prove thy deed and prophesy thy doom ! 

Cam. " Listen the wail 

Of Liddesdale ! " 

Liddes. That voice again ! There is defiance still! 
And lo ! the blood still oozing from the wound 
Weeps for this wreck and melts ray soul to pity. 

Lady C. Thou dost confess the sacrilegious deed ! 

Liddes. Draw close the arras — hide him from my sight ! 

Lady C. Oh, good and holy Spirit, ere thy time 

Of righteous vengeance comes, subdue his heart ; 
Take him not off o'ertopped in innocent blood 
Unwailing, unatoning : make him feel 
The need of prayer and not too proud to pray 
Accept his penance and absolve his sins. 



SCENE V.J I.IDPKSPALE. 63 

les. Why, what is this? awake, firm heart, arouse ! 
There's no revealment from the unknown realm. 
Did you connive at this? Who did? Speak out! 
Who was't informed her of the traitor's death? 

Mob. I am a Christian hoping for salvation, 
It w;i> a Spirit. 

A" . So indeed, my lord. 

Liddes. Ignorant fools ! Why did the arras rustle 
As if a palpable and living form, 
Not one of air. did stealthily pass behind? 
What! pale with fear; I shall myself, find out. 

Lady C. Blest is the corse the rain rains on. Behold ! 
The sudden shower attacks the window bars, 
Struggling to invade the chamber: it is past. 
Now smiles the sun upon that pallid face, 
Beautiful in death ! Conld'st thou abide with me 
Cold as thou art, no music from thy lips, 
No balmy breath, no sparkle in thine eyes — 
I could be happy lingering by thy bier ; 
But 'tis forbid: Decay with withering touch 
Will blight the beauty death could not destroy. 

Mab. Sweet lady, weep — weep or thy heart will break. 

Liddes. Nothing is here, not seen. What, is this jug- 
As he \\.i- ever all the world to me, [gling? 
So all, save breath, is lost in losing him. 

. Remove the body: lead her to her chamber. 
If \ la .i subtle traitor: I will answer 
To heaven and earth thejustice of his death. {Exit. 



64: LIDDESDALE. [ACT III. 

Lady C. Ha! ha! ha! good, yes, good. Come hither, 
Mabel — 
A thought, a plan, an excellent device! 
I'll do it: nurse, I will confide in thee! 

[ Whispers to Mabel. 
Mab. Woe and alas for thy poor wits! 
Lady C, Come on: 

Our torches, quick : what, hide ye both in fear ? 
It is a blessed Sprite, no harm is near. 
By living stream and evergreen, 
Unhallowed, thou dar'st not be seen! 

[Exeunt. 



SCENE I.] LLDDESDALE. 65 



ACT IV. 

Scene I. — Liddel Castle. Enter Liddesdale, a Priest 
and Kenneth. 

.•>. Quote not to me, Priest, these common texts! 
Let superstitious fools believe in Fate, 
And quail beneath her inoracular voice — 
False lights mislead the brain of credulous men: 
I must have proof, or hold it phantasy. 

PritM. That is irreverence ! 

Liddes. >}\v is possessed ! 

If thou can'st not this devil exorcise, 
That pales my heart and tyrannizes hers, 
Why, what avail the prayers of Holy Church ? 
it. Thy good physician has exhausted art; 
W( >uld he might cleanse her mind to hear the truths 
Of sweet religion ! On the brain distraught 
The Gospel word, like rain on sandy wastes. 
Falls barren down — no quickening grace is there. 

Liddes. Mouth full of words ! Bring me the man sincere, 
\\ hose actions with his sacred office square, 
And I will give him reverence as a saint. 

[Enter Mabel. 
How is your mistress, .Mabel? Lo! she comes. 



66 LIDDESDALE. [a° T IV ' 

\Enter Lady Christina. 
Lady C. But that will never be: Oh never more! 
Mab. Sometimes she muses as you see her now; 

Again she smiles, but often sadly sings; 

Whiles, seeks for one she will not find, and asks 

If he is shriven and Christain burial had. 
Liddes. Where is my Mute ? Vile slave, let him appear 

And answer her. To me, his use is past. 
Lady C. They say a May-bride is a mourning bride, 

We shall not wed till June : nay, ask me not, 

For April is too soon. And he consented ! 

No danger threatens, love: lo you, behold ! 

My sandals are not green. I will not dance; 

Then, wherefore such a frown! Nor shall I sing — 

A singing bride turns to a weeping wife. [flower, 
Liddes. Have trees no gum — have fields no herb nor 

The earth no mineral for mental ills — 

No virtue left in good Saint Filiates well? 

Can my physician nothing more prescribe ? 

Is there no balm for the tormented brain ? 
Priest. From heaven alone, by prayer may come relief. 
Lady C. Behold that gash ! flinty-hearted man, 

And you stood by, nor raised an arm to save him ! 
Liddes. A sadder sight a father never saw. 
Lady C. The steeds stand saddled at the Abbey gate, 

The solemn rite performed : they mount, they speed 

Fleet as the wind a-down the mountain gorge. 

Well done, proud roan, a better never paced ! 



BCENE I.] LIDDESDALE. 67 

S( e how he tosses high his haughty head 
With flowing- mane, and lightning-like he leaps ! 
What cloud is that '? The rider is o'erthrown 
And dashed against the rocks ! Where is the horse ? 
The huge red sun, too heavy in his sphere, 
Will fall and crush the world. 
'. Her fancy runs 
To the old custom on a marriage-day. 

Iiady ('. Last night the slipper prophesied his doom. 
Oh never will glad tidings reach her door; 
That bride can never thrive nor bless her lord: 
And wedded love shall never gladden more ! 

/' iest. In vain I pray, and exorcism fails. 

Liddes. It' she could sleep ! Better to sleep forever 
Than thus to live. 

[Enter Lord Hume. 
My lord, this was my daughter — 
Would she could welcome thee. 

Hume. A lovely wreck: 

This sight subdues my fondest aspirations. 

Lady C. Sweet daisies bloomed a thousand years ago, 
They are not withered yet; and mountain brooks 
Still sing as blithely as they did of yore 
To listening rocks and trees ; still, larks on wing, 
As stars retire, salute the awakening morn, 
And lovers wake in joy. Why art thou sad? 
He 'iid consenl : I heard him. Mabel, thou ? 

IF**,,,.. Can grace and beauty fall so very low! 



68 LIDDESDALE. [ACT TV. 

Lady C. What say — shall we go gather hips and haws ? 
Liddes. The threat of kings, the loss of friends, all ills 

Misfortune ever heaped upon my head — 

Nothing has wrought such agony as this ! [now ! 
Priest. Ah, proud, stern lord, how art thou humbled 

May good seed planted grow to harvest time 

And yield an hundred fold. 
Mab. Amen! 
Lady C. Oh, oh! 

[Scarcely recognizes Hume, yet shrinks from him. 
Hume. Would I were hence. 
Lady G. Oft as I looked a-field, 

The ploughman in his furrow turned from me; 

I said ill omert; but ye all cried, nay. 

Tell me, whose judgment erred ? Mine ! Ha, ha, ha! 
Liddes. She is not fitted for a bridal-bed. 

Time, the great curer, may restore her wits, 

And then, my lord — our royal foes advance; 

To-morrow we shall have a busy day. 

When we return triumphant from the war, 

We may be welcomed with a smiling face — 

And thy reward shall be her willing hand. 
Lady C. Our torches, Mabel, quick! No danger, 
Kenneth, 

Come, come — to living stream and evergreen. 

[Lady C. rushes out. 
Liddes. Follow your mistress, Mabel; watch her closely. 

[Exit Mabel. 



SCENE I.] LTDDESDALE. 69 

Hume, What cause — what dreadful cause? 

les. Young Maxwell's death. 
Hume, Dead, dead! 

Lidd Si He was a traitor, and I slew him. 
Hume, He was a gentleman of matchless worth. 

s. Twas justice prompted rae. and not revenge. 
Hume. Though, in the list of honor stands my name 
Equal to thine, yet the respect I owe 
Less to thy rank than age, forbids rebuke. 
I held a promise Maxwell's life was safe. 

Ti< false ; were she restored to pristine health, 
Repeat these words, and thou art instant doomed. 
'. Relentless lord, will not the present anguish — 
The terrible picture in this house of sorrow — 
Suffice to quell thy spirit ! Prithee turn 
Thy thoughts from wrath and strife. 'Twere 

bettor far 
The treasures wasted in unnatural broils 
Were offered up in penance to the church. 
Liddes. O selfish Priest ! Give, give ! the eternal theme. 

[Exit Puiest, offended. 
Thy speech, young man, o'ersteps thy rank and 

[tongue. 
Awe, in my presence, should have checked thy 
B re, 1 say; I have esteemed thee well : 
But, were my love capacious as the sky 
That clips the universal globe about, 
Utter tin se words again — it melts to air. 



70 LTDDESDALE. [ACT IV. 

Hume. I came for welcome, not uncivil words. 

'Tis plain my power is all thy friendship prized; 
Her love I never had — thy promise only. 
Innocent instrument of wrong, I stand 
Without fit weapon to contend with thee, 
And so, farewell. 

[Exit. 
Liddes. He goes from me in anger : 

Insulting youth ! Go, call him back. Stay, sir. 
[Kenneth going — returns. 
I never will solicit mortal aid : 
Let him pursue his course while I run mine. 

[Mceitnt. 

Scene II. — An open country.' A march : enter Sir 
John Charters, Lord Wm. Dacre, Lord Max- 
well, other Lords, Wardens' Guards, etc. 

Sir John Ch. Here halt awhile : our wearied troops 
require 
Both food and rest. This is a lovely day — 
The air is mild, and blandly shines the sun, 
And not a trace of last night's storm remains. 

Lord D. How far hence is his castle ? 

Sir John Ch. Some three miles. [trees 

Look down yon wide-spread vale ; there, 'mong the 
Round which the Liddel winds a devious course, 
His battlements are indistinctly seen. 



» 1 \i: II.] ' LIDDKSDALE. 71 

Lord D. A pleasant landscape : here should peace abide, 
While war's wild havoc seeks a rougher scene. 

The hills are white with sheep, and in the valleys 
The cattle graze; on slopes the tillage smiles, 
And here and there T see the cottage home. 
The solemn stillness round, for thee, old Knight, 
P] >'ll: thy son shall bless thee yet. 

Lord Max. Oh grant it, gracious heaven ! in mercy 
Where is my >on? [grant ! 

\JErUer Carnegie, breathless. 
. My lord, he is at peace, 

/. '' V '. . Tell me, in brief, how came he to his end ? 
. By Liddesdale in single strife lie fell. 

Lord Max. An old man lingering on the verge of time, 
The nearer Thee, asks curses on his head. 
Oh strike him childless — may he pray for death, 
But nature do that great relief deny — 
Keep him alive, the wonder of the world ! 

Lord D. Our sorrow takes strange shapes and some- 
times wins 
Less sympathy than mirth : all men respect 
An unobtrusive grief. 
' //< ( //. Where is the corse ? 
. For daya his minions looked on me, a mute, 
N 1. but laboring under Nature's spite. 

Sorrow and rage in violent conflict joined, 
Aid broke my counterfeit. I spoke aloud ! 
Declaring 'twas a Providence : They stood 



72 LTDDESDALE. ' [ACT IV. 

Amazed, and asked, what miracle is this ? 

The murder of an innocent lord, I cried ; 

And, by the self-same Power that loosed my tongue, 

I stand commissioned to protect his corse. 

Quick bear it hence, convey it to his sire 

For Christian burial in the ancestral vault. 

Deeming me favored by the grace of heaven, 

They, at my word, as a command divine, 

In silent reverence bore the corse away. 

Under my lead so far had they advanced, 

(Beneath yon oak they've halted with the bier) 

When I beheld your Banner on the hill, 

And, breathless, I have come to speak this grief. 

Lord Max. Only a father suffering loss like mine 
May feel this agony — all others talk. 
Did he defend himself? 

Cam. Bravely, bravely ! 

Jjord Max. A drop of comfort. 

Sir John Ch. Thou art Carnegie ! 

No time have we to share this old man's sorrow, 
Nor question thee. 

Lord Max. Oh bear me to his bier; 

There, kneeling, will my heart dissolve in tears. 

Lord JD. No longer parley with this treacherous lord, 
His heart is steeled 'gainst nature,- pity, justice ; 
And our forbearance but encouragement 
To fouler crimes. There's madness in his course, 
A sure forerunner of his coming fall. 



KE ni.] LIDDESDALE. 

Sir John Ch. Alt ho" our march has been unprofitable, 

Which wc lament — a worthy motive urged us, 

That merited sue 
Max. My brave, bright boy ! 

A gr< nerous heart is cold — a purer soul 

N ' r asked for mercy at the Eternal Gate. 
/. / D. This man. whose bearing favors better blood 

Than flows in peasant veins, may give us aitj. 

By knowledge of the rebel's plans and power. 
S John Ch. When we have paid our duty to the dead, 

Invite- him to our presence for his news. 

We must wipe out this plague-spot in the land. 

' D. Once lose advantage, it is lost forever: 

Now is the surest time for deeds not dreams. 

[Met unt. 

i- III. — A wood: enter Cessfoed and Lociiwood, 
meeting. 



More stirring news they tell me is abroad. 
Loch. The king himself in arms? 
. I have not heard : 

But Hume has gone in haste, some say in dudgeon. 
What is the matter with the love-sick youth? 
- 1 brushing up my armor, 
I have not beard a whisper since we part< 
Cess. One of my friends while riding hitherward 
Met him, with all his followers, speeding nortli. 



7± LIDDESDALE. [aO'I IV. 

" Good morrow, whither bound so fast ? " quoth he; 
" Where the road leadeth," was the brief reply. 

Loch. Much information was not given in that. 

Cess. One lagged behind the rest, vouchsafed to say- 
That angry words had passed 'twixt two proud 

lords ; 
But what the discord, was beyond his guess. 

Loch. If true, then is our right hand paralyzed. 

Cess. Shall I, old friend, adventure on my guess ? 

Loch. Ask me who never feared to speak aloud? 

Cess. Of will imperious, Liddesdale would make 

His thought the standard — like the knave of old — 
For each man's judgment; and as alien holds 
Whoever contradicts. To keep his favor, 
New service daily must we render him, 
And in the vein congenial to his mood, 
Or else we lose him. 

Loch. When discovered this ? 

At least you must confess in him one merit; 
He loves his daughter. 

Cess. None will that deny; 

But even there his temper domineers. 

Loch. Does Hume's desertion cool thy ardor, friend? 

Cess. I have not said he has deserted us, 

Nor if he had his course would alter mine. 
Yet, though subdued in manner, Hume still keeps 
Coals in his heart, that soon are blown to flame, 
And he's a-fire. 



BOBtfH III.] LIDDEBDALB. »& 

A. Not fire of hate, but love 
Glows like the furnace, told in Holy Writ, 
That never singed a lock of three good men. 
I tell you love is stronger far than hate, 
That is. at twenty-five: had he my years, 
When blood has lost some of its molten heat, 
It might be different. Think ye, for a word, 
That he would sacrifice so rich a jewel ? 
Pride against passion could not so rebel. 
We yet >hall see the youth : my word on that. 
». 1 have known men who, for offended pride, 
In sullen mood bore tortures like the damned, 
And. in their suffering, thought they fed revenge. 
Loch. Oh, well enough to preach; young blood a-iired 
With beauty, maelstrom-like, down swallows all. 
[Enter Liddesdalb 
Liddes. They are in earnest, and 1 am right glad. 

There is brave work to do. 
Loch. What is the new.? [guard, 

Liddes. The northern lords have joined the Wardens' 
And hitherward they march. Tho' Hume retires, 
X"ea, were he more than neutral, 1 have friends 
To crush their vaunted power. 
Loch. But what of Hume? 
Liddes. My daughter i- afflicted in her mind; 

Which, added to the Wardens' growing power, 
Emboldened him to speech that I rebuked : 
And he went hence in ill-coneealed rag 



76 LIDDESDALE. [ACT IV. 



I must o'ertake him ; if fair words prevail 

He will return. 
Liddes. Stay ! Not at my request — 

I will not sue to him nor man alive. 
Cess. But I may listen to his argument. 

Is there a hope she yet may be restored? 
Liddes. There is. 

Cess. What shall I say from thee ? 
Liddes. The truth. 

All I have said, report — not more: yes, add, 

My word is sacred tho' he gave offence ; 

Her hand is his, when pristine days return, 

If he dare claim it : let his course decide. 
Cess. I will o'ertake my friend. [Mcit. 

Loch. Well, he is gone ! 

I do not like his eagerness to go. 
Liddes. Enticing from our foes who might be theirs, 

We doubly fortify ourselves. 
Loch. Well said ; 

But I will not believe the youth is false. 

Were it not wise with Hepburn to confer? 
Liddes. Confer with him! No, he is weak in soul, 

And never helps a friend nor hurts a foe. 

We must confer with better, bolder men. 
Loch. Refuse him not a chance to aid the right. 

If Hume deserts us, there is doubt of Cessford; 

Then, from the weakest w 7 e may need assistance. 
Liddes. Thou art the truest, bluntest in the land ; 



SCENE IV.] LTDPESDALE. 77 

A steadfast friend through twenty bustling years: 
How few are spared to own so rich a treasure ! 
While thy old heart is true and full of blood, 
Th<v selfish, craven men, like Hume, forsake 
The holiest cause that ever called to arms — 
The freedom of the lords against the king — 
Never despair. Arouse new courage up: 
Inspire with tenfold vigor every friend, 
And make amends for false ones in our need. 
Tlio" signs of sadness hover in the air, 
And tho' forebodings overcloud my brow, 
Despite the worst, I'm eager for the fray. 

[Exeunt. 

Scene IV. — A chamber in Liddel Castle. Lady 
Christina reposing on a couch. Priest, Mabel 
and Kexxeth attending. Ladies in waiting. 

Priest. It is not sleep. Her sands are nearly run : 
The pulse no more articulately beats, 
Bat simply flutters like an oil-spent lamp. 

Mob. Where is the doctor ? Is there no relief ? 
past all human aid ; and I am here 
To pay the last sad office of the church: 
Bat unavailing is my holy power. 
O, heaven restore her, strengthen her to hear 
Words of salvation in her dying hour! 

I\ . Grant, heaven, in mercy grant! 



78 LIDDESDALE. [ACT IV, 

Mab. Dear, dear mistress. 

How changed that face, O Kenneth, sadly changed! 
Priest. Pity her sunny days should set in gloom. 
Mab. We never more shall hear her voice: never ! 
Priest. Thy will be done ! Hush, hush, she stirs ! 
Lady C. [Awakening sloioly.] Good nurse ! 
Mab. Would I could give my old life down for thine. 
Lady C. Where am I? I have had a long, long sleej), 

And dreamed such dreams, glad am I to awake. 

Have I been sick ? Oh, Mabel, I am weak; 

Help me. Kenneth! good old man. Who art thou? 
Priest. Thy own confessor. God bless thee, lady ! 
Lady C. I dreamed the sun to darkness had returned, 

And my dear lover slain — speak, holy man ! 
Priest. Peace, peace ! 
Lady C. Open the window : give me air. 

And I will so beguile his angry heart 

He must consent : I yielded much to him. 

Join in our prayer, thy pleading will avail. 

Yes, beckon me ; I come. Bring me my harp — 

With music I will meet the angelic choir. 

\JSIotions as if playing on a harp, 
and hums a plaintive melody. 
Mab. Tho' scarcely audible, his favorite air. 
Priest. Her eyes with an unearthly lustre beam — 

Glimpses of consciousness seem mingling there, 

Yet there is nothing that she surely knows. 
Lady C, What is the hour ? 



scrxi: iv.] liddksdale. 79 

Mob. The sun is in the west. 

Lady C Oh, let me see him sink behind the hills: 

Mabel, load me: Kenneth! 
Mob, Alas, sweet lady! 

[Shi is assisted to the window. 
Lady C. He sets in glory — never scene so fair 

Blessed inert al ryes. Tis gone. Oh, I am sick ! 

To me lie never rises more. Mabel, my couch ! 
[She is laid upon her couch. 
Driest, The parting soul hath visions, it is said, 

Of glorious truth denied to healthy minds. 

\Enter Liddesdale. 

Liddes. Loss upon loss accumulates. What next? 

That counterfeiting mute torments my thoughts — 

There is much more in him than I admired. 

How is my daughter? 
Driest, Sinking fast away. 
Liddes. Rather would I be told, O Priest, she's dead, 

Than in the fearful struggle see her die. 

[He approaches the couch. 

Pale, pale that face — its wondrous light is gone: 

While in this world there still is hope. 
Priest. Amen ! 

I've watched the live-long night, in fervent prayer 

She might revive to hear the gospel truths ! 

les. She breathes more freely; see, her eyes unclose. 

Dost know me, child ? 






80 LIDDESDALE. [ACT IV. 

Lady C. Father! 

Lidcles. Oh, my daughter ! 

Lady C. Thy hands are bloody still: it is no dream! 

Liddes. [To Mabel.] There, gently, gently ; lay her 
softly down. 

Lady C. I see them still arrayed in robes of white; 
A dear one, stateliest of the sainted throng, 
Is calling me. Hark, hark, delightful strains! 
Prolong, prolong! The vaulty space is filled 
With shadowy shapes, like vestals at the shrine — 
An angel in the midst supremely blest. 
O holy sight ! I mingle with thy train! 

[Dies. 

Priest. With that soft sigh her spirit passed away! 

Liddes. Is there no hope on earth nor help in heaven! 
For him and for my promise did I strike, 
But like the blind, I overshot the mark 
And killed my innocent child! 

Mob. Oh, woe is me ! 

Liddes. I did not think grief could subdue me thus. 

Priest. Thou hast a friend in heaven — an angel there — 
Pleading thy pardon at the Eternal throne. 

Liddes. Oh, I have heard men groan and women wail ; 
Waded in blood, yet never felt a pang — 
But, in the death of this dear child, I feel 
Ten thousand furies tearing at my heart. 
She'll never smile on me again: never! 
And I am left to bustle through the world 



BCENE IV.] LIUDESDALE. 81 

In this calamity. No time to weep. 

Mabel, gently — she Mas a gentle child — 

[lo tht Priest.] Treat her poor dust as doth become 

her rank, 
And bear her to the grave with saddest pomp. 
Call in my people: they may weep and wail, 
For their dear mistress now is with the saints, 
And I am left alone — alone, lamenting. 

[Curtain falls. 
6 



82 LLDDESDALE. [ACT V. 



ACT V. 

Scene I. — The Wardens' Tent. Martial Music. 
Enter Lord Wm. Dacre, Sir John Charters, Lord 
Maxwell, Carnegie, Heralds, Lords, Soldiers" and 
Attendants. 

Sir John Ch. Altho' our royal master fain would spare 
The flow of native blood— tho' he would see 
The fields of spring to harvest grow apace, 
And all his people live in thrifty peace; 
He never will permit ambitious lords 
In arrogant pride to spurn allegiance due. 
Now we must teach this rash, misguided man 
The price of his presumption ; he must feel, 
And all who league with him, just punishment ; 
Which to inflict, with confidence we march. 
Thy gracious sovereign, whom may heaven preserve, 
Is rich in such a leader : thanks we owe 
For sagest counsel. 

Lord D. What is the rebel force ? [strong; 

Sir John Ch. But yesterday 'twas twenty thousand 
To-day, not half : he has affronted Hume, 
And thence his loss. 

Lord D. Hume and his friends secure. 



SCENE l] liddesdale. 83 

Send forth a Herald, through the land proclaim, 

To those who join our standard in three days, 

A pardon free for all offences past ; 

And threaten those with death and confiscation, 

Who aid the rebel or refuse submission. 
Sir John Ch. I like thy counsel, let it be proclaimed. 

[ JEbsit a Hi raid. 
Lord Max. I was the father of as brave a boy 

As ever woman bore : he was my eldest born. 

And loved — my lords, these tears attest how much, 

More than my words. 
Sir John Ch. We do lament his death, 

And in the common cause we will avenge it. 
Lord Max. ITis bleeding corse by this brave-hearted man 

Was from his merciless murderer reclaimed ; 

What to preserve him he essayed, ye know: 

What he devised to wring the rebel's heart, 

What of his plans disclosed, ye also know. 

Now to reward his valor, honor, truth, 

I crave a boon. 
Sir John Ch. My lord, thy grief commands 

Mure than thy frosted head. 
Lord Max. Ennoble him! 

Noble his deeds— make him the like in rank. 
Sir John Ch. Kneel down, Carnegie, this old knight 
command <. 

[Carnegie kneels: a JT< raid l,<>hh the royal 
haunt,- over him: the Warden lays a 
sicord on his sh nd ft r. 



84 LIDDESDALE. [ACT Y. 

Thus, in St. Andrew's name, I dub thee knight: 

Sir John Carnegie of Eskhill arise — 

Be loyal, bold and true. 

\A flourish. 
Sir Herald, find 

A proper crest to blazon on his shield. 
Lord Max. Be generous, sir. 
Herald. New knight, I name thy crest, 

A bloody dagger clenched in rampant hand, 

" Ulciscar " be the motto, 
Lord Max. Fitly chosen. [schooled, 

Sir J. Cam. Permit me, noble lords, rude and un- 

(Whose honors far outweigh his best desert,) 

To ask translation of that foreign word 

The learned Herald chooses for my crest. 
Herald. In English, sir, it means, I toill revenge. 
Sir J. Cam. Bright thought, great thought — glo- 
rious word, revenge! 

My lord, grant from thy vassals I may pick 

A few brave, stalwart men to follow me, 

For I have nothing — naked, as I stand. 
Lord Max. 'Tis granted, sir; go forth, unfurl thy 
pennon : 

My best and bravest I entrust to thee. 

I'm old; fond, frail and old. Would I were young! 

My second son sojourns in vine-clad France; 

Would he were home — be thou his proxy, sir. 
Sir John Ch. A triple cause impels thee to the fight. 



BOBNB I.] LTDDESDALE. 

Lord Max. Avenge our king's, my son's, thy sister's 
wrongs. 

Sir J. Cam. Three or four score, of sinew like the 
oak's, 
May join me from our hills; and I shall win 
A title to my crest, or die attempting. 

Lord Max. Ami 1 will furnish thee befitting arms 
To win a soldier's name. 
1 T>. Methinks this rebel 

(To whose undaunted heart some praise is due), 
Will deem we shrink afraid, unless forthwith 
We force submission at his castle gate. 

Sir Joint Ch. A wise suggestion. 

Lord D. And, to teach the land 

That treason is a crime not less 'gainst heaven 
Than heaven's anointed king, let no delay, 
No indecisive field leave room to doubt 
Where the advantage lies — crush him at once. 

Sir John Ch. The while our soldiers seek some needful 
rest — 
A day at most — let our new knight, Sir John, 
Muster the men he wills. At dawn to-morrow, 
Our bugles sound advance : till then, to tents. 

[Martial music : exeunt. 



86 LIDDESDALE. [ACT V. 

Scene II. — A Court in Liddel Castle. 
[Enter Liddesdale. 

Liddes. Now cursed be crones and damned all babbling 
rhymes, 

I dare in fate's despite. Ah, childless now! 

Why am I spared with breath to speak that word! 

And Hume deserts me: let the villain rot! 

Cold as the sod, and I am all alone ! 
[Enter Lochwood. 
Loch. The royal host advancing, at Langholm 

Halted for further aid. 
Liddes. Let them advance — 

We are a handful, but in heart a host. 

What is their force ? 
Loch. One just arrived, reports, 

Of bows and lances, pikes and barbed horse, 

They are ten thousand strong. 
Liddes. Out, out and face them — 

The better shall we seem with means supplied : 

Foemen confronted well are half subdued. 

They double ours. 
Loch. Thy castle's strength atones, 

Should fortune force us to seek shelter here. 
Liddes. Better to hear the lark — you know the rest. 

Why then consult the safety of our walls, 

Till there is none without : or why permit 



SCENE II.] LIDDESDALE. 87 

These royal slaves to ravage our domains 
When we may feast luxuriously on theirs? 
No more delay; with speed bring up thy troop: 
Command that Armstrong, Elliot, Crawford, 

Graham, 
March with their power and join us at the Forest. 
With swift dispatch away. [Exit Lochwood. 

Tho' they advance 
Strung as the waves or numerous as the leaves, 
I'll meet them like the tempest. Treacherous Hume, 
Thy blood shall pay for this calamity — [thee 

Cold by thy mother's side ! I could have spared 
Sooner or later — any time but this ! 

[Enter Kenneth. 
What speaks thy speed ? 

Ken. Lord Hume has joined the king. 

IAddes. The king of Darkness. 

Ken. The king of Scotland. [Exit. 

Liddes. False, leperous chief ! May earthquakes swal- 
low him — 
Brand him on earth as one to be abhorred — 
Let him not taste the springs our cattle drink — 
World be his wilderness — there let him howl! 

[Eat- r a Messenger. 
Speak, sirrah, speak, my heart is all a-fire; 
Fleet as the lightning speak, or as my rage. 

Mess. The Wardens have issued a proclamation com- 
manding all people to join the royal standard — 



88 LIDDESDALE. [ACT V. 

offering free pardon for offences past ; and threat- 
ening those who either aid your Grace or hold 
neutral with confiscation and death. \Kxil. 

Liddes. By my soul's hope I am exceeding glad: 
We shall distinguish now our honest friends: 
'Twas this that turned the adder-hearted Hume; 
Live, wretched craven, live to fear thyself. 
[Miter Lochwood. 

Loch. Armstrong, they say, has joined the royal banner. 

Liddes. Level Gilknockie with the ground! Let Ker 
Take heed that not one stone remains erect 
To tax its fellows with their master's treason. 

Loch. What Ker, my lord! he is a traitor too. 

Liddes. Cessford with fire and sword I will destroy — 
Gilknockie too: women and men and babes 
Alike, shall swell the slaughter. Blood, O blood ! 
Spare none — slay all — let procreators die ! 
\Enter another Messenger. 

Mess. Armstrong and forty gentlemen of note 
The king at Carlenrigg has hanged. 

Liddes. Ha, ha! 

Why this is news — rare, happy, excellent news ! 
Fellow, I shall reward thee for thy pains. 
And what of Hume and Cessford ? Are they hanged ? 
Let justice have her own and — they are doomed. 

Mess. I have no news of them. [M&it. 

Loch. I always thought 

Armstrong would never die a natural death. 



III.] LIDDESDALE. 89 

Liddes. Like him may traitors perish — an example 
That I shall follow— to the letter Follow— 
On all whom fortune places in my power. 
Come on. my lord, for we must summon up 
The few -till faithful. By our Saviour's blood # 
The world shall feel I have not lived in vain! 

[Mseunt. 

S< ne III. — Eskhiix, before tin Carnegie Cottagb. 

Jib John Carnegie, in <iru<<n\ 
with 8t >'< ral fottowH r.<. 

Sir J. Cam. In armor and a knight ! Tie realized! 
And that which seemed impossible, is true. 
A[y friends, in me behold a man up-raised 
By Midden fate to be a crested knight : 
Those we revere as of the ancient stoek, 
Who won for Scotland her exalted name, 
Are Sprung from sires unknown: and we may be 
The ancestors of nobles. But to the point — 
I have permission to select true hearts 
That pant to share the glory of this war, 
Beneath the newest pennon. Time there was — 
'Tw day, ami each preceding day 

I count of manhood, that ye yielded me 
Respect and kind regard: I thank ye, friends. 
N«»w, I have wrongs and injuries to avenge 
Would make the forests wail, the mountains groan. 



90 LIDDESDALE. [ACT V- 

All nature shriek aloud — wilt follow me, 
Tho' I am, save in title, like yourselves ? 

Omnes. We'll follow you to death! 

Sir J. Cam. Brave friends, my thanks — 

Thanks from my soul — 'tis all I have to offer. • 
Each with his comrade come: collect a troop — 
Three or four score with broadsword, jack, and targe, 
And meet me by the Wardens' tent. 

Omnes. We will. 

Sir J. Cam. In every bonnet plant a rowan-twig — 
A reason I shall give — now, friends, dispatch — 
And meet me in an hour. No more : farewell. 

\Exeunt followers. 
Wronger and slayer, flinty-hearted lord, 
I will make thee the wonder of the world, 
And earn my motto or deserve a grave. \Exit. 

Scene IV. — Before the Wardens' Tent ; Trumpets. 
Miter Sir John Charters, Lord Wm. Dacre, with 
other Lords and followers. 

Sir John Ch. I like thy counsel: we await him here. 
He vainly thinks that we are unprepared; 
The loyal never sleep. Thou wilt command 
Thy sovereign master's troops, while I lead mine: 
And bold Buccleu2fh shall bear the roval standard. 

o « 

Lord D. Agreed. As I rode out an hour ago 

To view the vantage of the neighboring ground, 



SCENE IV.] LIDDESDALE. 91 

I chose e'en this as the selectest place 

To fight and win. My lord, this rough-drawn map — 

Observe, I but suggest — will show my plan. 

Here, on this hill I shall bestow my bows; 

And in that wood — an ambush — plant my horse. 

Now mark — by yonder road he must advance — 

.Meet him with lance and spear, ami bid thy troops 

Seem to retreat dismayed — and thus entrap 

His chosen men within my archers reach — 

Be sure each cloth-yard shaft will tell its tale — 

Our ambush then will cut off his retreat, 

And he is ours. 

John Ch. It is with skill devised. 

Lo d D. There never was so sweet a place to fight. 

Sir John Ch. But, what if he advance not? 

Lord D. Then, my lord, 

Entice him onward as at Flodden field — 
Pray, pardon me my lord — dispel all doubt, 
He is already roused to desperation, 
And will advance. 

John Ch. Here comes our newest knight. 
And, by my faith, he is attended well. 

[Enter Sit; John Carnegie "ikI followers, 
arm"/, and bearing his pennon. Each 
with a rowan-twig in his bonnet. 

Sir J. Cam. Here come we, lords, to win a soldier's 
name. 



02 LIDDESDALE. [ACT V. 

Sir John Ch. Welcome to tent: these iron-nerved, 
stalwart men 

Will win thee glory — by ray troth, they will. 
Sir J. C. Give us our place — we bow to thy command. 
Lord D. Might not these troopers draw the rebel on ? 

My lord, they seem of mettle. * 
Sir J. Cam. Seem! they are. 
Sir John Ch. We learn by scouts the traitor is advancing; 

Mark yonder pass, 'tis distant scarce two miles, 

Through that we would entrap him — thither march, 

Receive his onset and before him yield, 

As if ye ran in fear. 
Sir J. Cam. Pardon, my lord! 

The rowan-branch is sworn to die — not yield. 

Beneath the rowan was young Maxwell slain, 

Beside the rowan was my sister drowned; 

Now by my bursting soul, each fellow here, 

Swore as he placed that emblem in his cap, 

To avenge the murders near the rowan-tree, 

Or die in the attempt. 
Lord D. Calm thee, Sir John — 

We would not counsel any friend to flee 

Unless 'twas for a stratagem of war. 
Sir John Ch. It is the order for the general weal, 

As in our plan arranged. 
Sir J. Cam. Well: we shall yield. 
Lord D. Be calm, not rash: retreat as if compelled. 



BORNE T.J LTDDESDAL1C. 93 

Sir J. Cam. Beneath each twig there beats a dauntless 
heart — 

And now — altho' our first essay in arms — 

We shall obey our noble chief's command. 

1 >nt when thy bugle sounds? 
Si John <li. Advance and fight. 
Sir J. Cam. Each foe shall be a fragile blade of corn, 

We'll hew him down like reapers. Grant me, heaven, 

That I may face the foul, corrupted chief, 

And then — God save the just ! 
S John Ch. Behold yen signal. 

The rebel is advancing. Sir, thy place — 

On with thy troop. 
Lord D. Disgrace is not in flight, 

But in its cause. The bravest may retreat. 

[Exeunt. 

Scenk V. — The Battle-field: Alarums. Sir John 
Carnegie <hkJ followers retreat across the stage, 
pursuedbytht m< n o/^Liddesdalb. Enter Liddes- 
dalej LochwooDj and other Lords. 

IAddes. Pursue, pursue, fleet as the wind pursue: 
No prisoners lake, but wolf-like hunt for blood. 

>,,t follow 

Yon beauteous sun shines on a glorious day — 
I feed new life; the field is surely won. 
Tax-Ii. I like not such a bloodless flight. 



94 LIDDESDALE. [ACT V. 

Liddes. Cowards ! 

All cowards to the core. 

Loch. That is not proved: 

Such stout-framed men to run ere blood is spilt, 
Ere scarce a spear is crossed or broadsword hacked,. 
Is strange and odd. I think it a device. 

Liddes. This busy day is one to strike, not think. 

Loch. They fought defensive, willing to retreat — 
Their faces showed no evidence of fear. 

Liddes. If our true men are swift, not one escapes. 

Loch. Why, any man may rush to the attack, 
Or follow those who flee; the boldest leader 
Is not alone intent to hurt his foe, 
But with a prudent eye surveys the field 
To make most havoc at the smallest cost. [that: 
Look there — through yonder pass they run — mark 
Rugged and narrow: good place for ambush. 

Liddes. Each inch of ground familiar to my step, 
Gives me advantage o'er their sagest schemes. 
Talk not of ambush — 'tis not in their art, 
Nor in their cunning, on this land to snare me. 

Loch. If I mistake, then level me with serfs. 
Danger is here ; call the pursuers back. 

Liddes. Does Lochwood counsel me to spare a foe ? 

Loch. Yon troop is by a stranger chieftain led, 

Whose blazoned shield displays an unknown crest; 
Whether he be of Scotland, England, France, 
Or what his birth or rank, we nothing know. 



SCENE V.] LIDDESDALE. 95 

Liddes. Perhaps a traitor fights in this disguise — 
Belike 'tis Ker, or deeper damned than lie, 
Abhorred Hume ! Perhaps the king himself! 

Loch. What 'vantage or renown would'st thou achieve 
In conquering him ? Seek out the royal banner, 
And lion-like among thy peers contend, 
lie is not worth thy blow. 

S. Were he a — devil, 
I'm eager for encounter hand to hand. 
There is an angel or a demon here, 
Spurring my soul 'gainst this mysterious knight: 
I'm yearning for his blood. Tho' nature w T ept, 
And universal man in one loud voice 
Cried out, forbear! I should not stop my course. 

Loch. Amu^e them till the forty days expire. 

Liddes. I will not wait — no, not for forty moments. 
Now, as we are, advance: bring up thy power — 
Or, if thou fear'st to fight, go beg thy life 
Like Ker and Hume, or be like Armstrong hanged. 
This day shall prove my greatest or my last. 

[Exeunt. 



96 LTDDESDALE. [ACT V. 

Scene VI. — Another part of the field. Alarums. 
Enter Liddesdale. 

Liddes. Strike as I may, each well-concerted blow, 
By adverse chance is turned against myself 
As fate were leagued against me. What, ambush! 
Like him at Gaza, though I crush myself 
I'll tear the temple down. 

[Enter Lochwood and other Lords. 

Loch. Our best are slain. 

Liddes. If from the grave my father's ghost had risen 
And told me this, I would have sworn it lied. 
Ambush ? "What day is this ? 

Loch, Wednesday, my lord. 

Liddes. My luckless day! Well, well! I had forgot — 
It is begun, and it must labor through — 
Yet, had I listened — that is past recall. 
Send a fresh troop of horse around the marsh, 
And charge them in the rear. [Exit Lochwood. 
O heavy blow! 

Struck at the threshold of her womanhood; 
My only one, all hope of lineage gone ! 
Pick me ten score of tried and trusty men 
To force by yonder wood the Blackburn pass, 
And drive the English archers from the hill. 
If they maintain that stand, the day is lost. 

[Exit an officer. 
A horrid thought! If I should chance to fall, 
My corse might be insulted.*— How goes the day? 



SCENE VI.] LIDDESDALE. 97 

Re-enter LoCHWOOD. 

Loch. Our troopers bravely fight, but fast as hail 
The south rou bowmen pour their arrows down 
And each one takes a life. 

Liddes. Another troop! 

Send Out another, and another — all! 
And force them from the hill. Drag from the eastle 
Warders and watchers, yea, each living soul, 
Whose strength can wield a sword or bear a spear. 

[Exit an officer. 
One noble rally and we conquer yet. 

Loch. Worse fields than this by daring have been won. 

Liddes. Come to our work — havoc and death, come on. 
One word, to speak the heart's tormenting thought: 
Swear, if I fall, at cost of all the world, 
To rescue or to ransom me — swear this! 
Alive, all mortal aid I should despise, 
But on this luckless day my thrice-tried mail 
May by an English arrow be transfixed — 
Swear, if I die, my body you will burn, 
And strew r its ashes to the wind — swear this! 
Let not a foe invade my castle halls — 
Let not my trophies be a prey to him — 
Burn, burn them to the ground, burn all : swear this! 

Loch. If I >urvive, I swear it shall be done. 

Liddes. Content : my thanks! Thou art my truest friend : 
All is not lost, we yet may win the day. 

[K>; nut. 

7 



98 LIDDESDALE. [ACT 



Scene VII. — The JRoioan Tree. Bugles sound advance. 
Enter Sir John Carnegie and followers. 

Sir J. Cam. These thrilling sounds! On, rowan-branch, 
rush on! 
No more of flight! This is a day of glory, 
And he who serves his country in its need, 
Shall share the honor when the field is won. 
Avenging power! who in the appointed time 
Strikest down the guilty, me thy agent make! 
Temper my steel — bring him within its reach — 
And, as I then engage, if worthy thee, 
Give to my thirsting soul a sea of blood, 
For I could gorge it all! Now, like ourselves. 

\Exeunt. 
\A pause : Alarums. Enter Liddesdai.e. 

Ziiddes. If e'er I put one particle of faith 
In superstitious tales, I might believe 
The legend tells the downfall of my house, 
And this the day, by heaven ordained, to prove it. 

" When humble foes 
And high oppose — 
Listen " 

Thus runs the ancient rhyme — it seems like truth. 
By friends deserted and by foes hemmed round — 



SCENE VII. J LIDDESDALE. 99 

Bigh foes, a legion — where the humble ones? 

J meet them not — the legend is a lie. 

[Re-enter Sir Joiix Cabnegie. 
s J. Corn. From first to last for thee alone I've sought. 

And down struck scores, all profitless till now. 

Liddes. What stranger knight art thou, who wildly comes 
With more than mortal wrongs uproused. 

Sir •/. Cam. By my soul's wrath, a foe; a deadly foe, 
Sworn while I live to live thy foe alone. 

Liddes. Up with thy visor, sir; vain this disguis 
For dead or living I shall see thy face. 
When first I saw thy pennon in the field, 
Flying in terror with thy craven troop, 
Thy presence blasted like an evil star: 
Declare thy rank: I i'eel upon thy death 
Depends the glory of this day. Be brief — 
1*11 cleave thee down, and then for better blows. 

s ./. Cam. Unsuperstitious as thou think'st thou art, 
Thou wilt with terror freeze to see my face. 

Liddes. Wert thou a fiend in double mail disguised, 
I would not shun thee: if thou art a knight 

s ./. Cam. I am a knight — ennobled since the dawi . 

Liddes. A new-made knight ! From what condition 
sprung ? 
Wherefore that blazon? -peak! 

Sir J. Cam. A Providence! 

The hand of heaven is raised. Behold the truth! 

[ Uncloses his >'>sor. 



100 LJDDESDALE. [ACT V. 

Liddes. My counterfeiting mute! 

Sir J. Cam. Yes, yesterday: 

To-day, Sir John Carnegie of Eskhill, 
Thy equal and thy foe! 

Liddes. Thou, lowborn cur! 

Hence from my sight — thou art not worth a blow. 
I seek the noble, not false slaves like thee. 

Sir J. Cam. " When humble foes" — 

Liddes. Hence, corbel-face! begone! 

Sir J. Cam. Not while thou art alive! O just revenge! 
Salacious wretch! here, by thy lust deflowered, 
A gentle maiden leaped into the stream; 
Here, by thy treacherous hand young Maxwell fell ; 
And I am here, the instrument of heaven, 
Armed and ennobled, to avenge thy crimes. 

Liddes. Presumest thou to threaten or rebuke ? 
I am the Border Chief — my word, a law — 
My sword, a fate. Villain, I spared thee once, 
And I should blush to soil this precious brand 
With dastard blood like thine. Go find thy peer; 
I seek a noble or a royal foe. [grave, 

Sir J. Cam. A sister's ghost shrieks from the sheeted 
A desolate father for huge vengeance prays: 
I neither shriek nor pray — I come to do! 

Liddes. Thou! perjured and accursed; stop not my 
course. [Going. 

Sir J. C. Turn not thy back, or die the coward's death; 



\'F VTI.] LIDDE6DALE. LOJ 

And I will drag thy carcass by the heels, 
The peasants wonder and the chieftains scorn; 
And when their eyes are sated with the sight, 
Will cast it. naked, to devouring wolves. [left. 

Llddes. Hold, insolent wretch! there's no redemption 
Despite the legend, and though fame rebuke, 
I will chastise thy overbearing pride, 
And crush thee, like a reptile, "ncath my feet. 
Thy blood is honored when it stains my sword. 
Sir J. Cam. God, me defend. 

[ TJiey fight : Liddesdale falls. 
Liddes. 'Tis true: the legend's true. 

This more ennobles thee than monarch's breath. 

And T have fallen by an humble serf, 

The last of all my race: my fame survives! 

[ Trumpets sound a victory. 
What sounds arc these! Lochwood, thy oath, thy 

oath. 
Rescue or ransom. Aly child! Burn, burn, burn! 

[Dies. 
[Knter Sir Jonx Charters, Lord Wm. Dacre, 
LordS) Soldii rs, < tc. 
John Ch. The held is ours, dec]) dyed in rebel blood, 
And this the reddest spot. New knight, thy hand: 
We shall report thy valor to the king, 
And deeds of greatness. In his generous heart 
Thou art ennobled through succeeding time. 

[ < ktrtain falls. 






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